Ep 5. Smoked Eats

As the title suggests, in Sandwich King season 5 episode 5, "Smoked Eats," host Jeff Mauro explores the world of smoked meat sandwiches. From classic deli favorites to new and inventive combinations, Jeff shows viewers how to take their sandwiches to the next level with the smoky flavor of cured meats.

The episode kicks off with a visit to a local smokehouse, where Jeff learns about the different types of cured meats and how they are made. He also gets a behind-the-scenes look at the smoking process and learns about the different wood chips used to give the meat its unique flavor.

Next, Jeff heads back to his own kitchen to start crafting his smoked meat sandwiches. First up is a classic Reuben, but with a twist. Instead of traditional corned beef, Jeff uses smoked pastrami for an extra layer of flavor. He also swaps out the sauerkraut for some kimchi to give the sandwich a spicy kick.

For his second sandwich, Jeff takes inspiration from his Italian roots and creates a Caprese panini with smoked ham. He layers fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil pesto with thinly sliced smoked ham for a delicious twist on the classic Italian sandwich.

Jeff then heads out to a local deli to see how they incorporate smoked meats into their sandwiches. He learns about their popular smoked turkey BLT and tries his hand at making his own version, with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and of course, smoked turkey.

For his final sandwich, Jeff shows viewers how to make a smoked brisket banh mi. He starts by slow-smoking a brisket until it is tender and juicy, then slices it thin and piles it onto a crusty baguette with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a spicy aioli.

Throughout the episode, Jeff shares tips and tricks for smoking meat at home, as well as creative ideas for incorporating smoked meats into everyday meals. Viewers are sure to be inspired to take their sandwiches to a whole new level with the delicious, smoky flavor of cured meats.