Acclaimed chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain was known for his sense of adventure and deep understanding of culinary traditions from around the world. Throughout his illustrious career, Bourdain captivated audiences with his forthright speaking style, tireless curiosity, and deep respect for the diverse cultures he encountered.
One of the many highlights of his journey has been his ability to transform simple ingredients into amazing dishes, reflecting his philosophy that great food doesn’t always need to be complicated. When I spotted Bourdain’s favorite sandwich on @heresyourbite’s TikTok (a fantastic five-ingredient mortadella sandwich), I knew I had to try it. Here’s how it went.
Recipe: Anthony Bourdain’s Five-Ingredient Mortadella Sandwich
Ingredients for Anthony Bourdain’s Five-Ingredient Mortadella Sandwich
To make this simple sandwich, you’ll need mortadella, provolone cheese, Dijon or yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and a brioche bun (or sourdough or kaiser roll).
How to make Anthony Bourdain’s Mortadella Sandwich
Courtesy of Choya Johnson
First, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of neutral oil to prevent the mortadella from sticking. Take 2-3 slices of mortadella and gently fold them together to form 3 small mounds.
Place the mortadella in the skillet and let it brown for a minute or so. Once browned, flip it over and add the provolone cheese, one or two slices at a time. If the provolone sticks out, it’ll be even tastier, creating a crunchy cheese “skirt.” Once the mortadella has browned on the other side, carefully stack it on top of the other to form one large pile.
Next, fry the brioche buns in the remaining mortadella oil in a hot frying pan. Once the buns are done, spread mayonnaise on one side and mustard on the other. Place the mortadella on the bun and serve.
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Anthony Bourdain’s Mortadella Sandwich
Courtesy of Choya Johnson
What I thought about Anthony Bourdain’s Five Ingredient Mortadella Sandwich
This 5-ingredient Mortadella Sandwich is an absolute delight for anyone who enjoys simple yet flavorful food. With the perfect balance of meaty and cheesy goodness, this sandwich was incredibly delicious. The perfectly crisped mortadella provides a rich, flavorful base, while the provolone cheese adds a creamy, melty layer that adds flavor to every bite.
The best thing about this sandwich is its simplicity: With just five ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet the end result feels gourmet. The texture is equally impressive, with the crunchy edges of the mortadella complementing the soft bread and creamy spread.
While this sandwich is definitely delicious, it’s a bit too indulgent for an everyday meal, so I think it’s more of an occasional treat, but overall, I’d definitely make it again.
Next time: How to make restaurant-quality chicken tenders
