Ramen on a Roll
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen | Orange County, Calif.
Ramen on a Roll
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen | Orange County, Calif.
By Katie Ayoub
July 15, 2024
By Katie Ayoub
July 15, 2024
Described as a “bowl of ramen in sandwich form,” it’s easy to understand why the Chashu is a menu standout and fan favorite. “It was created with South and East Asian cuisines in mind, taking influence from the flavors, ingredients and cooking methods commonly utilized in those regions,” says Brandin Duda, regional manager and chef of The Trough Sandwich Kitchen, a concept known for its inventive handhelds.
The Chashu highlights the opportunity in taking proven flavor systems and reimagining them in different forms. It stars pork that’s been marinated for 24 hours then slow-braised for 6 hours. It’s topped with a generous layer of pickled ginger, cutting through the richness of the meat nicely. To round out the ramen-inspired build, Duda adds slices of soy-marinated egg, Japanese-style mayo lifted up with rice vinegar and peppery arugula, all tucked into a fresh cornmeal roll. “Alone, each ingredient is delicious, but together they are magic. Every layer of flavor and texture plays an important role in the final product,” he says. “The sum is somehow greater than its parts.”
About the Author
Katie Ayoub serves as managing editor of Flavor & The Menu and content strategist for the Flavor Experience, an annual conference geared toward chain operators. She is president of Katie Ayoub & Associates, serving up menu trends expertise, content creation and food & beverage consultancy. Based in Chicago, Katie has been working in foodservice publishing for more than 20 years and part of the Flavor team since 2006. [email protected]