Banh Mi Sandwich
The Banh Mi Sandwich is a Vietnamese street food classic that combines savory, crunchy, and tangy flavors into one irresistible bite. This sandwich features a crispy baguette filled with a combination of marinated meats (usually pork, chicken, or tofu), pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy spread, making for an explosion of textures and flavors. It’s a perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary influences that results in a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (excluding marination time)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) protein of choice: grilled pork, chicken, or tofu (for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or vegan fish sauce)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 small French baguettes or sandwich rolls
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for a plant-based version)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for spice)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
For the pickled vegetables: In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the julienned carrots and cucumber to the bowl, mixing them into the vinegar solution. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to pickle. You can also prepare this ahead of time and let the vegetables pickle in the fridge for a few hours.
- For the protein: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey (or sugar), garlic, and black pepper. If using meat, marinate the protein in this sauce for about 15-30 minutes. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture, then marinate it. Grill or sauté the meat or tofu until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes per side for chicken or pork, or until tofu is crispy on the edges.
- For the sandwich: Lightly toast the baguettes or sandwich rolls until they are crispy on the outside but still soft inside.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread mayonnaise (or vegan mayo) on the inside of both baguette halves. If you want a spicy kick, mix the sriracha or chili sauce into the mayo before spreading.
- Add the protein: Layer your grilled meat or tofu on the bottom half of the baguette.
- Add the pickled vegetables: Pile the pickled carrots and cucumber on top of the protein.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro leaves and slices of jalapeño if you want some heat. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Use grilled tofu or tempeh as the protein in place of meat, and add a generous spread of vegan pâté or hummus for richness.
- Spicy version: Add extra sriracha or fresh chili slices to make your Banh Mi extra spicy.
- Pâté: For a more authentic version, spread a thin layer of pâté (or vegan pâté) on the baguette before adding the mayonnaise.
- Different proteins: Try grilled beef, shrimp, or even a fried egg for a unique take on this sandwich.
- Herbs: Fresh mint or Thai basil can be added along with cilantro for an added layer of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/banh-mi-sandwich/
