Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: The Perfect Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Making the Delicious Monte Cristo Sandwich, Inspired by Chef Jung Sang-hoon
Follow this detailed guide to easily recreate the irresistible Monte Cristo sandwich from the TV show ‘Pyeonstorang’, as made by Chef Jung Sang-hoon. Enjoy the fantastic taste of a crispy exterior filled with melted cheese and savory ham!
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread (using thick-cut bread will result in an even better sandwich)
- 4 slices of sandwich ham
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese (you can also use mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness)
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Honey mustard sauce, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to give your sandwich a neat shape, carefully trim off the crusts from each slice of bread with a knife. Removing the crusts makes the bread softer and more suitable for a Monte Cristo sandwich.
Step 2
In a bowl, crack in the 2 eggs. Add 1/3 cup of milk (or water) and 3 tablespoons of tempura flour (or all-purpose flour). Whisk everything together until smooth and lump-free to create your batter. Using tempura flour will yield an extra crispy coating.
Step 3
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Mayonnaise helps prevent the bread from burning too quickly and adds a pleasant richness.
Step 4
Layer 2 slices of cheddar cheese on top of the mayonnaise-spread bread. (If you have mozzarella cheese, layering it with cheddar will create an even richer, gooier cheese experience. Abundant cheese is the highlight of a Monte Cristo sandwich!)
Step 5
Next, place 2 slices of sandwich ham neatly over the cheese. The ham adds a savory element that balances the overall flavor.
Step 6
On the inner side of another slice of bread, spread a moderate amount of honey mustard sauce. Place this slice on top to complete the sandwich. The mustard sauce cuts through the richness and adds a bright note.
Step 7
Dip the assembled sandwiches into the prepared egg batter, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. It’s important that the batter evenly covers the entire sandwich.
Step 8
Heat about 1/3 of the pan’s depth with cooking oil over medium-low heat. Since using a large amount of oil can be cumbersome at home, we’ll use a ‘pan-frying’ method instead of deep-frying. Pour enough oil to come about halfway up the sides of the sandwich and cook until golden brown. Be careful not to fry over high heat, as the outside can burn quickly while the inside remains uncooked. Adjust the heat carefully.
Step 9
Place the battered sandwich in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side. Once it’s a lovely golden-brown color, carefully flip it over and fry the other side. You can also stand the sandwich on its sides for a moment to ensure even cooking and crispiness all around.
Step 10
Once the sandwich is nicely crisped on all sides with a moderate amount of oil, carefully remove it and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towels. It’s best to let the Monte Cristo sandwich cool slightly before slicing. This helps the fillings stay in place and makes for cleaner cuts. After it has cooled for a moment, slice it in half.
Step 11
Serve with a dollop of sweet strawberry jam on the side. Dip in and enjoy your perfectly made Monte Cristo sandwich – crispy on the outside, and lusciously filled with sweet and savory cheese and ham! It’s a wonderful choice for brunch or a special treat!
