Jake’s Perfect Sandwich from Adventure Time

What’s Up, Hungry People

Today, we’re making a sandwich so legendary that even Finn and Jake would take a snack break from adventuring just to devour it. So, let’s grab our aprons and dive into creating a sandwich that’s as legendary as the Land of Ooo itself. Trust me; you don’t need to be a wizard from Wizard City to pull this off – just a love for epic flavors and a bit of adventure in your heart.

In the Time Sandwich episode of Adventure Time, Jake creates a perfect sandwich that he considers his masterpiece, but it is stolen by Magic Man, who uses a time bubble to slow down time whenever someone tries to retrieve it. Determined to get his sandwich back, Jake enlists Finn, BMO, and Marceline to help him.

They attempt various strategies to breach the time bubble and recover the sandwich. Eventually, Jake manages to enter the bubble by focusing on his love for the sandwich, which transcends the time manipulation. The episode is a blend of humor, friendship, and the lengths one will go to for the love of a good sandwich.

So, after dozens of requests to make this legendary sandwich over on TikTok, I decided it was about Time (no Magic Man puns intended) to recreate Jake’s Perfect Sandwich from Adventure Time.

Here’s What You Need

• Prime Steak: Adds rich, beefy flavor and tenderness to the sandwich.
• Rosemary: Infuses the meat with a piney aroma and earthy taste.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle, slightly minty flavor to complement the steak.
• Salt & Pepper: Because flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the Cornish hen and adds richness.
• Sea Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the hen.
• Cornish Hen: Provides a juicy, tender poultry element to the dish.
• Egg: Adds a creamy texture and richness as a boiled ingredient.
• Sourdough or French Bread: Serves as the hearty base of the sandwich.
• Cream Cheese: Offers a smooth, tangy layer to contrast the savory meats.
• Fresh Dill: Introduces a bright, herby note to cut through the richness.
• Bread-and-Butter Pickle Slices: Adds sweetness and tanginess for balance.
• Roma Tomato: Contributes freshness and a slight acidity.
• English Cucumber: Gives a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
• White Vinegar: Used for “tears,” adds a bright acidity to enhance flavors.
• Bacon: Introduces a smoky, salty crunch to the sandwich.
• Lobster: Elevates the sandwich with its sweet, luxurious texture (and it’s optional!)

Let’s Cook!

Kicking off this adventure we begin with a sprinkle of rosemary and thyme, laying the groundwork for a sandwich that transcends the ordinary. The prime steak is then vacuum-sealed and sous vide at 135°F, ensuring a tenderness that rivals any delicacy found in the Land of Ooo. Next, a loaf of your choosing – be it sourdough or French – is sliced and toasted to achieve a golden crispness, setting the stage for a rich slather of cream cheese and a dash of pickles and dill, a nod to Prismo’s whimsical charm.

As we compile the layers, incorporating a Cornish hen adds a twist as unexpected as any of Adventure Time’s plotlines, followed by the addition of boiled eggs, cucumber, tomato, and onion for a burst of freshness. A hint of salt, or “tears,” brings depth to the ensemble, marrying the flavors in a symphony as harmonious as Marceline’s melodies. The final touch of crispy bacon and the luxurious lobster soul elevates this sandwich from mere food to a tribute to the spirit of Adventure Time itself.

Tips for Perfecting Your “Time Sandwich”

• Choose Your Ingredients Wisely: Selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial for this sandwich. For the steak, opt for prime or choice cuts for optimal flavor and tenderness. Fresh herbs, rather than dried, will significantly enhance the aroma and taste of your meats.
• Sous Vide Steak Perfection: Cooking your steak sous vide allows for precise temperature control, resulting in perfectly cooked meat every time. If you don’t have a sous vide setup, a reverse sear method can also produce excellent results.
• Air Fryer Cornish Hen: The air fryer offers a quick and less messy way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat for your Cornish hen. Make sure the hen is thoroughly dried before oiling and seasoning for the crispiest skin.
• Layering Your Sandwich: Balance is key when assembling your sandwich. Start with a layer of cream cheese to help other ingredients stick, then build your layers thoughtfully to distribute flavors and textures evenly.
• The Role of Acidity: The addition of white vinegar and pickles isn’t just for flavor; acidity cuts through the richness of the meats and cream cheese, bringing balance to the sandwich. Don’t skip these elements!
• Cooking with Love: Remember, the essence of this Adventure Time-inspired sandwich lies not just in its ingredients but in the joy and creativity you bring to the preparation. Channel your inner Jake and make this sandwich your own masterpiece.

Questions About Jake’s Perfect Sandwich

• Can I make this sandwich without a sous vide machine? Absolutely! If you don’t have a sous vide setup, you can use the reverse sear method. Just pop the steak in a 225°F oven until it hits 120°F inside, then sear it in a hot pan with some butter for a crispy crust.
• Do I have to use a Cornish hen? Nope! If Cornish hen feels like too much effort, you can swap it for roasted or rotisserie chicken. It won’t be exactly like Jake’s sandwich, but it’ll still be delicious.
• What’s the deal with the vinegar (“tears”)? In the show, Jake adds a single drop of his own tear for “extra flavor.” We’re skipping the actual tears (because, well… hygiene), but a touch of white vinegar adds a little acidity, which balances the richness of the meats and cream cheese.
• Do I really need lobster? Not at all! Lobster is listed as the sandwich’s “soul” in the episode, but it’s totally optional. If you want a fancy upgrade, go for it. Otherwise, the sandwich is still incredible without it.
• How do I toast the bread without a brûlée torch? A broiler works just fine—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You can also toast the bread in a dry skillet or oven until golden brown.
• Can I use a different type of bread? Sure! Sourdough and French bread are great because they’re sturdy enough to hold all the fillings, but you could also use ciabatta or a crusty baguette. Just avoid anything too soft, or the sandwich might fall apart.
• How long does this sandwich take to make? It depends! If you’re using a sous vide for the steak, you’ll need at least 30 minutes (plus resting time). The Cornish hen also takes around 20 minutes in an air fryer. If you’re working efficiently, you can have everything ready in about an hour.
• Can I meal prep this? Kind of. You can sous vide the steak, cook the Cornish hen, and boil the egg in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just slice everything up and assemble the sandwich fresh. Toasted bread is always best when it’s done right before serving.

Watch It On TikTok

[Coming Soon!]

That’s Mathematical!

Whether you’re fighting off the Ice King or just battling midday hunger, this sandwich is your trusty companion, ready to vanquish those cravings with gusto. And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire your own band of hungry adventurers to embark on their own sandwich-making saga. So, grab your apron like it’s your armor, wield your kitchen tools with the might of a hero, and let the alchemy of cooking begin.

After all, every meal is an opportunity to create something extraordinary, especially when it’s shared with friends who are as adventurous as you are.

ORIGINALLY POSTED FEBRUARY 2024

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