Authentic Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Banh Mi
This Grilled Chicken Banh Mi is a vibrant sandwich that marries the savory, umami flavors of marinated grilled chicken with the refreshing crunch of pickled vegetables. The chicken is marinated in a zesty mixture of fish sauce and lime juice that not only infuses it with a rich depth of flavor but also highlights the nuances of Vietnamese cuisine. The quick-pickled carrots and daikon radishes add a delightful tang and crunch that perfectly complement the juicy chicken. Topped with fresh cucumber slices, fragrant cilantro, and spicy jalapeños, this sandwich is bursting with flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the streets of Vietnam. Serve this dish for lunch or dinner, or enjoy it as a decadent picnic treat. Remember, while fish sauce might have a strong aroma, its flavor after cooking is irreplaceable. Don’t skip it and enjoy the culinary journey it brings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fish sauce
1/2 cup (None)
Lime juice
1/2 cup (None)
Sugar
1/4 cup (For the marinade)
Garlic
3-4 cloves (Minced)
Jalapeño
1 (Chopped)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (For marinade)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 lbs (3-4 breasts)
Hot tap water
1/2 cup (None)
Rice vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
Sugar
1/4 cup (For pickling)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For pickling)
Crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Carrots
2 (Sliced thin on the bias)
Daikon radishes
2 (Sliced thin on the bias)
Soft sub rolls
6 (None)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (None)
Cucumber
1/2 (Sliced thin)
Cilantro leaves
1 cup (Fresh)
Jalapeño
1 (Sliced for extra heat (optional))
Instructions
1
In a baking dish, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, and salt. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but marinating for longer will enhance the flavor considerably.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, dissolve sugar in hot tap water. Add rice vinegar, salt, crushed red pepper, sliced carrots, and sliced daikon radishes. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to pickle.
3
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for approximately 5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and grill marks appear. Remove from heat, cover with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their moisture.
4
While the chicken rests, open the sub rolls and grill the insides for 1-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
5
Drain the pickled vegetables and slice the grilled chicken into thin pieces.
6
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the toasted sub rolls. Layer the sliced cucumbers, grilled chicken, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños in the rolls.
7
Serve your Banh Mi sandwiches immediately for a delightful culinary experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Authentic Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Banh Mi?
It is a vibrant sandwich that combines savory marinated grilled chicken with the refreshing crunch of pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeños on a toasted sub roll.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 1 hour, though marinating it longer will enhance the flavor considerably.
What ingredients are in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, and salt.
Can I substitute the fish sauce?
While it has a strong aroma, its flavor after cooking is considered irreplaceable for an authentic taste, so it is recommended not to skip it.
How do you make the pickled vegetables?
Dissolve sugar in hot tap water, then add rice vinegar, salt, crushed red pepper, sliced carrots, and sliced daikon radishes.
How long do the vegetables need to pickle?
The vegetables should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow them to pickle properly.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be grilled?
Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill the breasts for approximately 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Why should the chicken rest after grilling?
Resting the chicken for 5 minutes covered with foil helps it retain its moisture, making it juicier.
How do I prepare the sub rolls?
Open the sub rolls and grill the insides for 1 to 3 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
What is the first layer of the sandwich?
A generous layer of mayonnaise should be spread on the toasted sub rolls before adding other ingredients.
What fresh vegetables are included in the sandwich?
The sandwich includes sliced cucumbers, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapeños.
How should the carrots and daikon be sliced?
They should both be sliced thin on the bias for the best texture and appearance.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed for 6 soft sub rolls.
Is there spice in the pickling liquid?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper is added to the pickling mixture for a bit of heat.
What type of vinegar is best for pickling the vegetables?
Rice vinegar is used to provide the traditional tang for the carrots and daikon.
How much garlic is needed for the marinade?
You will need 3 to 4 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I add extra jalapeños?
Yes, you can add sliced jalapeños during assembly for extra heat if desired.
What provides the acidity in the chicken marinade?
A 1/2 cup of lime juice is used to provide acidity and highlight the Vietnamese flavors.
How should the grilled chicken be cut for the sandwich?
The grilled chicken should be sliced into thin pieces after it has rested.
Is sugar used in both the marinade and the pickling?
Yes, 1/4 cup of sugar is used for the chicken marinade and another 1/4 cup is used for the pickling liquid.
What is the role of the hot tap water?
The hot tap water is used to help dissolve the sugar when preparing the pickling solution.
Should the pickled vegetables be drained?
Yes, you should drain the pickled vegetables before adding them to the sandwich to prevent it from getting soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a decadent picnic treat that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
How much mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of mayonnaise.
What kind of radishes are used?
Daikon radishes are used, which are traditional in Vietnamese Banh Mi.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided recipe data does not list specific values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
What herb is essential for this sandwich?
Fresh cilantro leaves are a key component for the sandwich's fragrant flavor profile.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 19 total ingredients required to make this dish.
How soon should the sandwiches be served?
The Banh Mi sandwiches should be served immediately after assembly for the best experience.