Easy Sub in a Tub Recipe: Classic Submarine Sandwich in 10 Min

Introducing the ultimate low-carb version of the classic submarine sandwich – the “sub in a tub”! It’s inspired by Jersey Mike’s famous sandwich. This recipe lets you enjoy a traditional sub’s flavors without the carbs from bread. It’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches or meal prep.

The easy sub in a tub recipe combines fresh veggies, savory meats, and creamy cheese. It’s all tossed in a homemade Italian dressing. This dish is great for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or health-conscious diet. It’s a game-changer that satisfies your cravings while keeping your nutrition goals in check.

Key Takeaways

• Enjoy the classic flavors of a submarine sandwich in a low-carb, bread-free format
• Prepare this recipe in just 10 minutes for a quick and easy lunch or meal prep
• Customize the ingredients to your taste preferences, including a variety of deli meats and cheeses
• The homemade Italian dressing adds a delicious and authentic touch to the dish
• This recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, with only 9 grams of carbs per serving

What is a Sub in a Tub and Its Origins

The “sub in a tub” idea started at Jersey Mike’s, a well-known sandwich place. It was made to offer a low-carb option instead of regular submarine sandwiches. This way, you get all the tasty fillings without the heavy bread.

Jersey Mike’s Inspiration Story

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, families found the sub in a tub through takeout. They liked it because it was healthier and easier to eat. Soon, it became a favorite for lunch or dinner.

Evolution of the Breadless Submarine Sandwich

The sub in a tub is a new twist on the classic sub bread boat and hollowed bread loaf sandwich. It’s great for those on low-carb or keto diets. You can enjoy the taste of a submarine sandwich without the bread’s calories.

Why This Recipe Became Popular

The sub in a tub is loved for its ease, flexibility, and health perks. It’s a filling, protein-packed meal that fits any diet. Many people make it at home, finding it a tasty and healthy swap for regular submarine sandwiches.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Sub in a Tub Recipe

Making the ultimate submarine sandwich in a tub needs the right mix of fresh ingredients. Start with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy onions, and zesty peppers. Add rich provolone cheese and savory meats like ham, turkey, and salami.

For extra texture, add soft Italian rolls or bread cubes. They add crunch and soak up the tasty Italian dressing. This dressing is key, made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

With these ingredients, you’ll make a sub in a tub that looks great and tastes amazing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a filling dinner. This recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a classic submarine sandwich.

Choosing the Right Deli Meats and Cheeses

The key to a great tub sandwich is picking top-notch deli meats and cheeses. You can choose from ham and turkey to salami and pepperoni. Finding the right mix of flavors makes your sub in a tub unforgettable.

Best Cold Cut Combinations

• Ham, salami, and provolone cheese
• Roast beef, turkey, and cheddar cheese
• Pepperoni, capicola, and mozzarella cheese
• Pastrami, Swiss cheese, and spicy mustard

Cheese Selection Tips

Provolone is a favorite for tub sandwiches, but try other cheeses too. Swiss, havarti, or mozzarella can add a nice touch. Choose a cheese that goes well with the meats and adds creaminess.

Proper Meat-to-Cheese Ratio

For your tub sandwich, use 2 parts meat to 1 part cheese. This means 3 ounces of meat and 1.5 ounces of cheese. You can adjust this to your liking, but it’s a good starting point for a balanced sandwich.

Fresh Vegetable Components and Preparation

Improving your sub in a tub recipe or submarine sandwich begins with fresh veggies. You’ll need crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions. For more taste, add pepperoncini, banana peppers, or jalapeños.

Chopping veggies evenly makes them easy to eat. Cucumbers and black olives add texture and flavor. This prep work makes your sub in a tub recipe or submarine sandwich both tasty and pretty.

• Iceberg or romaine lettuce
• Cherry, grape, or Roma tomatoes
• Sweet yellow or red onions
• Pepperoncini, banana peppers, or jalapeños (optional)
• Cucumbers (optional)
• Black olives (optional)

Choosing and preparing the right veggies boosts your sub in a tub recipe or submarine sandwich. You’ll get a dish full of flavor and texture.

Creating the Signature Italian Dressing

The secret to a delicious sub bread boat or hollowed bread loaf sandwich is the Italian dressing. This blend of flavors is perfect with the savory meats, crisp veggies, and creamy cheeses in your sub sandwich.

Essential Oil and Vinegar Base

The dressing starts with a mix of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Using 3 tablespoons of each creates a rich, tangy base. This base sticks to every bite of your sub bread boat or hollowed bread loaf sandwich.

Herbs and Seasonings Mix

• Dried oregano (or Italian seasoning blend): 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

These herbs and seasonings add an authentic Italian taste to the dressing. They perfectly match the flavors of your sub bread boat or hollowed bread loaf sandwich.

Storage and Shelf Life

The Italian dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept at room temperature. Just shake or whisk it well before using. This dressing will keep your sub bread boat or hollowed bread loaf sandwich fresh and tasty for days.

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Making the perfect submarine sandwich in a tub is easy and fun. Just follow these simple steps to make your own tasty “sub in a tub” dish:

1. Begin by chopping all your ingredients into even pieces. This includes the meats, cheeses, and veggies for your sandwich.
2. Put the chopped ingredients in a big bowl. Then, pour the Italian dressing over them.
3. Mix the salad gently. This makes sure the dressing covers everything well.
4. If you’re using a stuffed bread boat, tear the Italian roll into small pieces. Add them to the bowl last, folding them in carefully.
5. Give the sub in a tub one last toss. This mixes in the bread pieces. Then, serve it right away for the best taste and texture.

This recipe is great because you can change it up to fit your taste or diet. Just make sure to balance the meats, cheeses, and veggies for a great “submarine sandwich in a tub” experience.

The secret to a tasty sub in a tub is keeping it simple. By chopping everything evenly and tossing it with Italian dressing, you get all the flavors of a classic submarine sandwich. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a party appetizer that will wow your guests.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Modifications

If you follow a low-carb or keto diet, you can still enjoy a tub sandwich. Just skip the Italian roll and use high-protein, low-carb ingredients. This way, you can have a tasty bread tub sandwich that’s good for your health.

Nutritional Benefits

This tub sandwich version is very nutritious. It has about 9 grams of carbs per serving, making it great for low-carb or keto diets. The protein from the meats, along with the olive oil and cheese, make it a filling and healthy meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps instead of the Italian roll.
• For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
• Choose low-carb veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and onions for toppings.
• Make your own Italian dressing with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.

With these simple changes, you can still enjoy a delicious tub sandwich while watching your carb intake. Get creative with low-carb and keto-friendly ingredients to make a meal that’s just right for you.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Guidelines

Creating a tasty sub in a tub recipe or a classic submarine sandwich doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning ahead, you can enjoy this dish easily on the day you serve it.

Success comes from smart preparation and right storage. Here are some tips to save time and keep your sub in a tub fresh and tasty:

1. Make the Italian dressing up to 2 days early. Mix the oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, then put it in a sealed container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
2. Chop and mix the salad ingredients – like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles – up to 2 hours before you serve. Keep the veggies in the fridge until you’re ready to put everything together.
3. For the best taste, add the dressing and layer the meats, cheeses, and bread (if using) just before you serve. This keeps the submarine sandwich at its best texture and flavor.
4. Leftover sub in a tub can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. But, the quality might not be as good as when it’s fresh.

With these easy make-ahead tips and storage advice, you can enjoy a delicious sub in a tub recipe without the rush. Enjoy the taste of this classic sandwich with ease and satisfaction.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Make your sub in a tub stand out with creative serving and presentation. Don’t just scoop the mix into a bowl. Try different serving vessels and add-ons.

For a family-style meal, serve it in a big, shallow bowl. This lets everyone dig in and make their own mix. Or, for individual servings, use separate containers for easy grab-and-go.

For a more filling dish, fill a sub bread boat or Italian roll with the mix. It looks great and feels more substantial. The crisp bread outside meets the tasty filling inside.

Add extra toppings on the side for your sub in a tub. Offer things like pepperoncini, olives, and extra dressing. This way, everyone can make their sub just right.

With these ideas, your sub in a tub can become a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Let your creativity show and enjoy the meal.

Conclusion

The sub in a tub recipe is a quick, healthier alternative to traditional submarine sandwiches. It’s loved for being customizable, low in carbs, and easy to prepare. By following this submarine sandwich recipe and tips, you can make a tasty, restaurant-quality stuffed bread boat recipe in just 10 minutes.

Looking for a flavorful sub without the carbs or a protein-packed meal? The sub in a tub is perfect. You can choose from many deli meats, cheeses, and veggies to match your taste. Plus, it’s great for busy days or meal prep because you can make it ahead.

Why not give this healthy twist on a classic submarine sandwich a try? With the right ingredients and a bit of effort, you’ll have a delicious sub in a tub. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to make your mealtime better.