Ep 4. Sub Standards

In Good Eats season 11 episode 4, titled "Sub Standards," host Alton Brown tackles the sandwich world. Focusing on submarines, or subs, Brown explores the history and evolution of this classic sandwich, as well as how to make it even better.

The episode begins with Brown breaking down the essential components of a sub: the bread, the filling, and the dressing. He emphasizes the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients and demonstrates how to make a homemade sub roll that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold plenty of fillings.

Next, Brown explains the importance of layering when it comes to constructing a sub. He stresses the need for balance and variety in the fillings, and provides tips for maximizing flavor and texture. Along the way, he shares some interesting facts about the history and origins of the sub, tracing its roots back to World War II and the Italian-American community in Pennsylvania.

Throughout the episode, Brown also offers up a variety of sub recipes that showcase different flavor combinations and techniques. From a classic Italian sub with salami, ham, and provolone, to a vegetarian-friendly sub featuring marinated portobello mushrooms and crispy chickpeas, there's something for everyone in this episode.

One of the standout recipes is Brown's take on the Philly cheesesteak sub. He shows viewers how to make a homemade cheese sauce that's creamy and tangy, and suggests using shaved ribeye steak instead of the more traditional chopped steak. He also adds some crispy fried shallots for extra texture and flavor.

Another highlight is Brown's approach to the classic tuna sub. Instead of just mixing canned tuna with mayo, he spices things up by adding some chopped pickles, capers, and red onion. He also suggests using oil-packed tuna for better flavor and texture, and shows viewers how to properly drain and prepare it.

Throughout the episode, Brown's trademark humor and geeky enthusiasm shine through. He peppers the show with fun facts and trivia, including the origin of the word "hoagie" (it allegedly comes from the Philadelphia word "hoggie," which referred to a large sandwich), and the fact that the submarine sandwich was briefly renamed the "Liberty Sandwich" during World War I due to anti-German sentiment.

Overall, "Sub Standards" is a fun and informative episode that showcases Brown's love for sandwiches and his knack for finding creative ways to make them even better. Whether you're a fan of classic subs or prefer more adventurous flavor combinations, there's plenty of inspiration to be found in this episode.