The Ultimate Paleo St. Paul Sandwich: A Healthy Midwestern Classic Reinvented

Experience a culinary blast from the past with a fresh, healthy twist! This St. Paul Sandwich recipe offers a completely paleo, low carb, and gluten-free rendition of the beloved Midwestern Chinese-American classic. Imagine golden-brown, savory Egg Foo Young patties nestled between soft grain-free bread, layered with vibrant pickled onions and a zesty sriracha mayonnaise. Best of all, if you have some homemade Egg Foo Young patties ready in your fridge, you can assemble this incredibly satisfying sandwich in mere minutes!

This dish, in many ways, represents the essence of modern culinary innovation – transforming traditional comfort food into something that aligns with contemporary health and dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. It’s an umami-packed, paleo-friendly Chinese-American leftover makeover that’s as delightful to eat as it is simple to prepare.

Table of Contents

• What is a St. Paul Sandwich?
• How This Sandwich Becomes Paleo, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free
• The Ultimate Leftover Makeover!
• Choosing the Best Paleo Bread for Your St. Paul Sandwich
• A Guinness World Record-Breaking Sandwich!
• Ingredients for the Paleo St. Paul Sandwich
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a St. Paul Sandwich
• Recipe Card: St. Paul Sandwich (Paleo, Low Carb, Gluten Free)
• Tips and Variations
• Why You Should Try This Healthy Twist

What is a St. Paul Sandwich?

The St. Paul sandwich is an iconic, yet perhaps lesser-known, gem of Midwestern Chinese-American cuisine. At its heart, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying creation: a golden-brown egg foo young patty, traditionally paired with crisp dill pickles and slathered with mayonnaise, all tucked neatly between two slices of soft white bread. This unassuming sandwich has charmed palates for decades, becoming a staple in many take-out joints and diners across the region.

Its fascinating origins trace back to Steven Yuen, the visionary former owner of Park Chop Suey in Lafayette Square, a vibrant neighborhood near downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Yes, you read that correctly – St. Louis, not St. Paul! Despite its widespread popularity in St. Louis, local lore suggests the sandwich was affectionately named after Yuen’s hometown, St. Paul, Minnesota. This intriguing naming convention adds a layer of charm to an already unique culinary story, highlighting the rich tapestry of immigrant cuisine that shaped American food culture. The St. Paul sandwich perfectly embodies the spirit of culinary fusion, blending familiar Chinese flavors with classic American sandwich construction to create something truly special.

How This Sandwich Becomes Paleo, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free

Transforming a classic like the St. Paul sandwich into a healthier, dietary-friendly version requires thoughtful substitutions without compromising the authentic flavor profile. In this paleo, low carb, and gluten-free rendition, we’ve meticulously reimagined each component to fit specific dietary guidelines while enhancing the overall taste and nutritional value. The key lies in addressing the traditionally grain-heavy elements and replacing them with wholesome, compliant alternatives.

• Paleo Transformation: The paleo diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors might have consumed. This means eliminating grains, legumes, dairy, and refined sugars. For our St. Paul sandwich, this primarily involves two major changes: the bread and the Egg Foo Young patties. We swap traditional white bread for a grain-free paleo bread, ensuring it’s made from ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or cassava flour. Similarly, our Egg Foo Young patties are crafted without any flour or starchy binders, relying instead on the natural coagulation of eggs and the addition of compliant vegetables and protein. Even the mayonnaise is specifically a paleo version, made with avocado oil instead of less healthy vegetable oils.
• Low Carb Benefits: By removing all grain-based components, this sandwich naturally becomes significantly lower in carbohydrates compared to its traditional counterpart. White bread and starchy binders in Egg Foo Young contribute a substantial amount of carbs. Our grain-free bread and Egg Foo Young patties drastically reduce this, making it an excellent option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. This focus on protein and healthy fats also promotes satiety and stable blood sugar levels.
• Gluten-Free Assurance: The elimination of grains inherently makes this sandwich gluten-free. Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, is a common allergen and can cause digestive issues for many. By using certified gluten-free, grain-free bread and ensuring our Egg Foo Young recipe is free from gluten-containing ingredients, this St. Paul sandwich becomes a safe and delicious option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Beyond these core substitutions, we elevate the flavor profile with paleo-friendly condiments that truly amp up the experience. Our Quick Pickled Red Onions provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich Egg Foo Young, while a spicy sriracha mayonnaise (made with Whole30-compliant sriracha and paleo mayo) adds a creamy, fiery kick that brings all the elements together in a harmonious, unforgettable bite.

The Ultimate Leftover Makeover!

There’s an undeniable joy in transforming last night’s meal into something entirely new and exciting, and this St. Paul sandwich exemplifies the art of the “leftover makeover” to perfection – in fact, it does so twice over! This concept not only minimizes food waste but also saves precious time in the kitchen, making healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable.

Our foundational ingredient, the Egg Foo Young recipe, is already a brilliant leftover makeover in itself. These versatile, egg-y patties are designed to be filled with whatever cooked protein and vegetables you might have on hand. Whether it’s shredded chicken, leftover stir-fry veggies, or diced ham, Egg Foo Young provides a delicious canvas for your creativity. This flexibility makes meal planning and utilizing ingredients incredibly efficient.

Then, the magic happens again! The next day, those delicious, ready-made Egg Foo Young patties become the star of this St. Paul sandwich. Instead of preparing a whole new meal, you can simply grab your pre-cooked patties, toast some paleo bread, and quickly assemble a gourmet-level sandwich. It’s a culinary shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. Voilà – a spectacular lunch or dinner is ready in minutes!

I always recommend making a double batch of Egg Foo Young patties specifically so I can enjoy them fresh for one meal and then easily transform the leftovers into these incredible St. Paul Sandwiches. When hunger strikes and you’re short on time, having these components ready means you can whip up a satisfying and nutritious meal in just a few minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Choosing the Best Paleo Bread for Your St. Paul Sandwich

One of the most crucial elements in making a truly satisfying paleo St. Paul sandwich is the bread. Fortunately, the market for paleo-friendly, grain-free bread has expanded significantly in recent years, offering a variety of options that cater to different preferences and needs. Gone are the days when dense, crumbly alternatives were the only choice. Today, you can find grain-free breads that boast an excellent texture, flavor, and structure, perfect for holding up to the delicious fillings of our sandwich.

If you enjoy baking and prefer a homemade touch, I highly recommend checking out the terrific paleo sandwich bread recipe featured in my green cookbook on page 46. It’s a tried-and-true recipe that even Gwyneth Paltrow herself loved, promising a soft, pliable loaf that closely mimics traditional sandwich bread. Baking your own bread gives you complete control over the ingredients and ensures the freshest possible result.

For those who enjoy the baking process but appreciate a head start, a paleo sandwich bread mix from Legit Bread Company is an excellent option. Their mixes are thoughtfully crafted to produce a delightful, grain-free loaf with minimal effort, making it a fantastic middle-ground between fully homemade and store-bought. You still get the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bread without needing to source individual specialty flours.

And for those days when you’re simply too lazy to bake, or prefer the convenience of ready-made options, several fantastic paleo and keto-friendly loaves are available on the market. Misfits Bakehouse, for instance, creates fabulous artisanal loaves that are both delicious and compliant with these dietary needs. They ship nationwide, so you can easily order them directly to your door, ensuring you always have a reliable, high-quality grain-free bread for your sandwiches and beyond. When choosing your bread, look for varieties that are sturdy enough to hold the generous fillings of the St. Paul sandwich without falling apart, yet soft enough to provide that comforting sandwich experience.

A Guinness World Record-Breaking Sandwich!

It’s not every day you get to be part of history, especially when it involves sandwiches! I had the incredible honor of contributing to a Guinness World Records title on August 6, 2020, with none other than this very St. Paul sandwich. The event was Rokerthon: Al’s Great American Sandwich Relay, where I joined the legendary Al Roker alongside dozens of talented chefs from across the country. Our collective mission was to break a new Guinness World Records record for the most sandwiches consecutively assembled live – a truly exciting and delicious challenge!

The energy during the relay was electrifying, a true celebration of American culinary diversity and teamwork. Each chef brought their unique sandwich creation, assembling it with precision and speed, all while live on air. It was a thrilling experience to contribute my paleo St. Paul sandwich to such a monumental event, showcasing a healthy twist on a regional favorite to a national audience. The camaraderie among the chefs and the excitement of setting a world record made it an unforgettable day.

If you’re curious to see the record-setting sandwich relay in action, you can watch the entire broadcast by clicking here. For a direct glimpse of my appearance and how I assembled my St. Paul sandwich under pressure, skip ahead to the 2:00:40 mark. It’s a fun watch that highlights the spirit of culinary innovation and the joy of sharing good food with the world!

Ingredients for the Paleo St. Paul Sandwich

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful, healthy sandwich. Most of these components can be prepared in advance, especially the Egg Foo Young patties and pickled onions, making assembly incredibly quick when hunger strikes.

• Egg Foo Young patties: The star of the show. Ideally, make a double batch ahead of time.
• Quick Pickled Red Onions: Adds a crucial tangy, crunchy element. Easily made days in advance.
• Paleo mayonnaise: Essential for the creamy spread. Store-bought or homemade works great.
• Whole30 Sriracha: For that perfect spicy kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Paleo grain-free bread: See our recommendations above for store-bought or homemade options.
• Tomato slices: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add juiciness and a touch of sweetness.
• Romaine or butter lettuce: Provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant color.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a St. Paul Sandwich

Assembling your paleo St. Paul sandwich is incredibly straightforward, especially if you’ve prepped your Egg Foo Young patties and pickled red onions. This guide will walk you through each simple step to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful sandwich.

1. Prepare Your Egg Foo Young Patties: First things first, retrieve your delicious Egg Foo Young patties and your jar of Quick Pickled Red Onions. If your patties are cold, gently warm them through. You can do this efficiently in a toaster oven or an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated throughout and slightly crispy on the edges. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can assemble the sandwiches with cold Egg Foo Young patties – they are equally delicious!



2. Create the Spicy Mayo Spread: In a small bowl, combine your paleo mayonnaise with the Whole30 Sriracha. Whisk them together until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a creamy, spicy spread that will add a fantastic kick to your sandwich. Generously slather this sriracha mayonnaise mixture onto one side of each slice of your paleo grain-free bread.



3. Layer Your Sandwich: Now for the fun part – assembling! On four of the bread slices (sriracha-mayo side up), carefully pile two warm Egg Foo Young patties. Follow this with two fresh slices of ripe tomato, a generous handful of the crisp Quick Pickled Red Onions, and finally, a vibrant leaf of romaine or butter lettuce. Arrange them carefully to ensure each bite will be perfectly balanced.



4. Complete and Enjoy: Take the remaining four slices of bread (also slathered with sriracha mayonnaise) and place them on top of your assembled ingredients, completing each of the four sandwiches. Gently press down.



5. Slice and Serve: For easy handling and an appealing presentation, slice each St. Paul sandwich in half, either diagonally or straight down the middle. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this healthy, reinvented classic!

Recipe Card: St. Paul Sandwich (Paleo, Low Carb, Gluten Free)

This paleo, low carb, and gluten-free St. Paul Sandwich is a healthier twist on the beloved Midwestern Chinese-American classic. Quick to assemble, especially with pre-made Egg Foo Young patties!

St. Paul Sandwich (Paleo, Low Carb, Gluten Free)

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Author: Michelle Tam

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Tips and Variations

While the classic paleo St. Paul sandwich is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your taste or to utilize ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe truly your own!

• Add More Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding a slice of compliant bacon or thinly sliced leftover grilled chicken on top of your Egg Foo Young patties.
• Avocado Love: A few slices of ripe avocado would add a creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the spicy mayonnaise beautifully.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other thinly sliced vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach for added nutrients and crunch.
• Different Pickles: While quick pickled red onions are fantastic, you can also use paleo-friendly dill pickles or even homemade bread and butter pickles for a different tangy flavor.
• Cheese (if dairy-tolerant): If you tolerate dairy, a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone) would melt nicely on a warm Egg Foo Young patty.
• Make Ahead Tips: Both the Egg Foo Young patties and the quick pickled red onions can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making quick sandwich assembly a breeze. The sriracha mayonnaise can also be whisked together and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Serving Suggestions: This sandwich is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad, a bowl of simple vegetable soup, or some homemade sweet potato fries.

Why You Should Try This Healthy Twist

This paleo, low carb, and gluten-free St. Paul Sandwich isn’t just a dietary modification; it’s a celebration of flavor, convenience, and mindful eating. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice taste or tradition to adhere to a healthier lifestyle. Here’s why this reinvented classic deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:

• Uncompromising Flavor: Despite the healthy swaps, this sandwich delivers all the savory, tangy, and spicy notes that make the original so beloved. The umami-rich Egg Foo Young, bright pickled onions, and zesty sriracha mayo create a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate.
• Dietary Inclusivity: Whether you’re following a paleo, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, or simply looking to reduce your grain intake, this sandwich offers a delicious solution without feeling restrictive. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a way that supports your health goals.
• Ultimate Convenience: Thanks to the “leftover makeover” strategy, this sandwich can be on your plate in minutes. Having pre-made Egg Foo Young patties on hand transforms a potential cooking session into a simple assembly line, perfect for busy individuals and families.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the paleo mayonnaise and avocado oil-based Egg Foo Young, and fiber from the vegetables and grain-free bread, this sandwich is incredibly satisfying and provides sustained energy.
• Culinary Adventure: For those unfamiliar with the St. Paul sandwich, this recipe offers a wonderful introduction to a unique piece of American culinary history. For those who know and love it, it’s an exciting new way to revisit a nostalgic favorite.

So, go ahead and embark on this delicious journey. Whether for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a nostalgic treat, this healthy St. Paul sandwich is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try – your taste buds and your body will thank you!