Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Smash Banh Mi Tacos are a fusion of vibrant, fresh Vietnamese flavors wrapped in a crispy taco shell, bringing together the best of both worlds. With the savory goodness of marinated pork, the crunch of pickled vegetables, and a creamy sriracha mayo, these tacos take a beloved Vietnamese sandwich and make it handheld and even more exciting. Perfect for taco night or as a fun twist on traditional Banh Mi, these tacos are sure to become a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 8 small taco shells (or soft tortillas)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup daikon radish, julienned
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the pickled veggies: In a small bowl, mix the carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, and jalapeño. In a separate bowl, combine rice vinegar and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves. Pour over the vegetables and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

2. Prepare the beef mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, form the beef mixture into small patties (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

4. Make the sriracha mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Mix until smooth. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha.

5. Assemble the tacos: Warm the taco shells in a skillet or microwave. Place a pork patty on each shell, top with pickled vegetables, and drizzle with the sriracha mayo. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Pork: Swap the pan-fried  for grilled for an extra smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground  or tofu as a substitute for the meat.
• Different Veggies: Feel free to switch up the pickled veggies with other fresh ingredients like red cabbage or bell peppers.
• Add Heat: If you like it extra spicy, add more jalapeño or drizzle additional sriracha on top.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the tacos in an airtight container (without the toppings) in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pickled veggies can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheating: To reheat the pork patties, place them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave them until heated through. Warm the taco shells just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken or beef instead ?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or beef for the . Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Are these tacos spicy?

The tacos can be spicy depending on how much sriracha mayo and jalapeño you add. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

3. How long do the pickled vegetables last?

Pickled vegetables can last up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

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4. Can I use regular tortillas instead of taco shells?

Yes, you can use soft flour or corn tortillas for a different texture, though taco shells provide a nice crunch.

5. How can I make these tacos gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure the taco shells or tortillas are gluten-free.

6. What other toppings can I add?

You can add extra toppings like sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra flavor.

7. Can I use store-bought pickles instead of making my own?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought pickled vegetables if you’re short on time, but homemade pickles will add an extra level of freshness.

Conclusion

These Smash Banh Mi Tacos are an exciting fusion of flavors that bring the best elements of Vietnamese cuisine into a fun, handheld dish. The juicy, flavorful beef paired with crisp pickled vegetables and spicy mayo creates a unique taco experience. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to make them your own!