Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich

Name: Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 cup carrot (julienned); 1 cup daikon radish (julienned); 1/2 cup white vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp salt; 4 medium baguettes (crusty); 500 g pork loin (thinly sliced); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 bunch cilantro (fresh); 1 medium cucumber (thinly sliced); 2 small jalapeño peppers (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup mayonnaise

105 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Discover the delicious and authentic taste of a Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Prep

30 min

Cook

15 min

Total

105 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that perfectly balances flavours and textures. It combines a crispy baguette with savoury meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. This version is authentic to its Vietnamese roots, offering a delightful experience for those who crave both Asian and sandwich cuisines. Our Banh Mi recipe captures the essence of this beloved street food. By using traditional ingredients and methods, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine or bring a taste of Vietnam into their home kitchen.

Instructions

Prepare the Pickled Vegetables

In a bowl, combine the julienned carrot and daikon radish. In a separate bowl, mix vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Pour the liquid over the vegetables, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Pro tip: Pickling the vegetables overnight enhances their flavour.

Marinate the Pork

In a dish, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetable oil. Add the sliced pork loin, coat well, and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: For deeper flavour, marinate the meat for several hours.

Cook the Pork

Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.

Pro tip: Ensure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Prepare the Baguettes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the baguettes lengthwise and warm them in the oven for 5 minutes until crisp.

Pro tip: Warming the baguettes makes them easier to slice without breaking.

Assemble the Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise on one side of each baguette. Layer with cooked pork, pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro.

Pro tip: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Banh Mi sandwiches immediately for the best taste and texture.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use day-old baguettes for a crispier crust.
Pickle the vegetables at least a day ahead for more flavour.
Fresh herbs like cilantro add a burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a banh mi?

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crusty baguette, various meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sometimes chili peppers.

How many calories are in a banh mi sandwich?

A typical Banh Mi sandwich contains around 450 calories per serving.

How to make a banh mi burger?

To make a Banh Mi burger, use a beef patty seasoned with soy and fish sauce, and top with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and mayonnaise on a burger bun.

What kind of bread is used in banh mi?

Banh Mi traditionally uses a Vietnamese-style baguette, which is lighter and airier than the French baguette.

Can you make banh mi vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and still enjoy a delicious vegetarian Banh Mi sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Banh Mi with a side of fresh salad or Vietnamese spring rolls for a complete meal. Pair it with a refreshing iced coffee or a cold beer to enhance the flavours. This sandwich can be made ahead by preparing the meats and pickled vegetables in advance. Store the components separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture. Leftover pickled vegetables can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

25g

Protein

15g

Fat

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