Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe

The Banh Mi sandwich is a beautiful fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. With a crispy baguette as its base, it’s layered with tender, flavorful proteins, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy, spicy spread. This recipe allows you to recreate this street food favorite at home, offering a satisfying bite of bold, contrasting flavors and textures.

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Baking tray or grill pan
• Whisk

Ingredients:

For the Pickled Vegetables:

• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup julienned daikon radish (or substitute cucumber)
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Protein:

• 1 pound pork, chicken, or tofu (thinly sliced or marinated)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Sandwich:

• 4 small baguettes or French rolls
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Thinly sliced cucumber

Instructions:

1. Make the Pickled Vegetables:
   In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture over the carrots and daikon in a bowl. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
2. Prepare the Protein:
   In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the pork, chicken, or tofu, coating evenly. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes.
3. Cook the Protein:
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated protein until fully cooked and slightly caramelized, about 3–5 minutes per side.
4. Prepare the Baguettes:
   Slice the baguettes lengthwise, leaving them hinged. Lightly toast them in the oven or on a grill until warm and crispy.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Spread mayonnaise mixed with sriracha on the inside of each baguette. Layer with cooked protein, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and jalapeños if desired.
6. Serve:
   Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

Presentation Ideas:

• Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper and serve with extra pickled vegetables on the side.
• Pair with a light salad or a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee.

Tips:

• If you can’t find daikon, substitute it with regular radishes or thinly sliced cabbage.
• Customize the protein by using shrimp, beef, or even a fried egg for a twist.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha or jalapeños.

Making a Banh Mi sandwich at home is simpler than it seems, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This recipe brings together the vibrant, bold flavors of Vietnam in a delightful way. Whether for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this sandwich is sure to impress!

Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe

Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this Banh Mi sandwich recipe. Perfectly seasoned meat, crisp pickled veggies, and fresh herbs come together in this delightful sandwich!

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Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Baking tray or grill pan
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• For the Pickled Vegetables:
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup julienned daikon radish or substitute cucumber
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Protein:
• 1 pound pork chicken, or tofu (thinly sliced or marinated)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce optional
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• For the Sandwich:
• 4 small baguettes or French rolls
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 –2 tablespoons sriracha to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños optional
• Thinly sliced cucumber

Instructions

 

• Make the Pickled Vegetables:
• In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture over the carrots and daikon in a bowl. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Prepare the Protein:
• In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the pork, chicken, or tofu, coating evenly. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes.
• Cook the Protein:
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated protein until fully cooked and slightly caramelized, about 3–5 minutes per side.
• Prepare the Baguettes:
• Slice the baguettes lengthwise, leaving them hinged. Lightly toast them in the oven or on a grill until warm and crispy.
• Assemble the Sandwiches:
• Spread mayonnaise mixed with sriracha on the inside of each baguette. Layer with cooked protein, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and jalapeños if desired.
• Serve:
• Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!