Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich
Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this delightful Banh Mi sandwich. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese street food, offering a perfect blend of marinated meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, all encased in a crispy, airy baguette. The quick pickle of carrot and daikon adds a refreshing crunch, while the creamy mayonnaise and soy sauce create a luscious balance. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this sandwich is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to utilize leftover meats or experiment with different fillings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will transport you to the streets of Vietnam with every bite!
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts or pork medallions
2 (marinated in satay or other Asian marinade)
carrot
1 (thinly sliced lengthwise)
daikon radish
4 inch piece (thinly sliced lengthwise)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
4 teaspoons, divided
white vinegar
3 tablespoons
water
2 tablespoons
small baguette
1 (cut into 3 sections, sliced lengthwise and hollowed out)
mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
to taste
soy sauce
to taste
fresh cilantro
to taste
cucumber
1/2 (shredded or thinly sliced lengthwise)
jalapeno
1 (seeded and cut into matchsticks)
mirin
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon
fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon
rice vinegar
1/4 cup
lime juice
1 tablespoon
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
sweet chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon
teriyaki sauce
1/2 tablespoon
sake
1 tablespoon
green onion
1 (white part only, sliced)
Instructions
1
If using a satay marinade, prepare it by combining your marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add your chicken or pork, and let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
2
To prepare the pickled vegetables, sprinkle the sliced carrot and daikon with salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar, and toss them gently using your fingers. Allow them to sit for about 3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crunchy. Rinse them under cool water and drain well.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar until dissolved. Add the drained carrot and daikon, tossing to coat. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavorful brine.
4
Preheat your grill or grill pan. Cook your marinated meat over medium-high heat until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
5
Lightly toast the baguette sections until they are crispy on the outside but still fluffy inside. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inner sides of the baguette, followed by a drizzle of soy sauce for an additional umami kick.
6
Assemble the sandwich by generously layering in fresh cilantro, the pickled carrot and daikon, slices of cucumber, the grilled meat, and a few strips of jalapeño for heat. Close the sandwich carefully, press down gently, and enjoy your fresh Banh Mi!
Nutrition Information
30
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this Banh Mi recipe?
The recipe suggests using either boneless skinless chicken breasts or pork medallions.
How long should the meat be marinated?
The meat should be marinated for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
What vegetables are pickled for this sandwich?
Carrots and daikon radish are the primary vegetables used for the quick pickle.
How do you soften the carrots and daikon before pickling?
Sprinkle the sliced vegetables with salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar, toss them, and let them sit for about 3 minutes until they soften slightly.
Should the salted vegetables be rinsed?
Yes, after they have softened for 3 minutes, rinse them under cool water and drain well.
What ingredients make up the pickling brine?
The brine is made by mixing together white vinegar, water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
How long should the vegetables stay in the brine?
The vegetables should marinate in the brine for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
To what internal temperature should the meat be cooked?
The meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How should the baguette be prepared?
The baguette should be cut into 3 sections, sliced lengthwise, hollowed out, and toasted until crispy on the outside but fluffy inside.
What spreads are used on the bread?
A thin layer of mayonnaise is spread on the inner sides, followed by a drizzle of soy sauce.
What herbs are added during assembly?
Fresh cilantro is layered into the sandwich during assembly.
How is the cucumber prepared for the sandwich?
The cucumber can be either shredded or thinly sliced lengthwise.
Is this Banh Mi recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes one jalapeño seeded and cut into matchsticks for heat.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 360 calories in this Banh Mi sandwich.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 30 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the sandwich?
This recipe contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What other sauces are used in the marinade?
The marinade involves mirin, fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, and teriyaki sauce.
Is sake used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sake is included in the ingredient list.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, the recipe allows for either regular mayonnaise or light mayonnaise based on your preference.
What part of the green onion is used?
Only the white part of the green onion, sliced, is used.
What is the recommended cooking method for the meat?
The meat should be cooked on a preheated grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 23 ingredients listed in the recipe count.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for lunch or a snack, although it requires advance prep for marinating.
Can I use leftover meat for this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions that the sandwich is customizable and allows you to utilize leftover meats.
What kind of vinegar is best for the pickling?
The recipe specifies white vinegar for the pickled vegetables and rice vinegar for the marinade components.
How is the daikon radish cut?
The daikon should be a 4-inch piece, thinly sliced lengthwise.
What flavor profile does the soy sauce add?
The soy sauce is used to add an additional umami kick to the sandwich.
Should the meat be sliced before or after grilling?
The meat should be grilled whole (as medallions or breasts) and then sliced thinly after resting.
How should the final sandwich be handled before serving?
After assembly, close the sandwich carefully and press down gently before enjoying.