Charred Kielbasa Hoagie
Description
The Polish Boy is a Cleveland original: kielbasa, coleslaw, BBQ sauce, and fries piled into a hoagie roll. It’s a sandwich built by a city that knows how to eat well without making it complicated.
Our version starts with Organic Kielbasa scored and charred on the grill, it’s held there until the casing blisters and the edges turn deep brown. That char isn’t just color. It’s where the flavor is. A quick vinegar slaw keeps things bright against the smoke, and BBQ sauce ties it together. Fries are optional but encouraged — the full Cleveland build is worth it.
Messy by design. Have napkins ready.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Organic Kielbasa, links scored and grilled
- 4 hoagie rolls
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- ¼ cup red onion, finely minced
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp celery seed
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- Optional: french-fries homemade or pre-made, your choice
Cooking Instructions
Make the slaw. Toss the cabbage, carrot, and red onion with a pinch of salt. Let sit 5 minutes, then drain. Whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, and celery seed, then toss with the vegetables. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Heat the grill. Preheat to medium-high. Brush grates clean and oil lightly.
Char the kielbasa. Score the kielbasa and brush with olive oil. Place on the grill and cook until deeply charred with visible grill marks, turning as needed to cook through.
Toast the rolls. Brush cut sides of the hoagie rolls with olive oil and place face-down on the grill until golden.
Assemble. Spoon BBQ sauce onto each roll. Lay kielbasa in and top generously with slaw. Add fries if using. Serve immediately.
Notes:
– The char is the most important step — don’t rush it. That’s where the flavor develops.
– Slaw can be made up to 4 hours ahead. Drain again before serving if it gets watery.
– For the full Polish Boy: add fries piled on top of the slaw.
– Store-bought vinegar coleslaw works as a shortcut if you’re pressed for time.
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