Crispy Shrimp Banh Mi with Pickled Veggies
Delve into the delightful fusion of flavors with our Crispy Shrimp Banh Mi! This Vietnamese-inspired sandwich features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich caramel sauce, complemented by vibrant pickled carrots and daikon radish. Nestled in a crispy baguette and garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also provides a refreshing bite. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this Banh Mi is sure to impress family and friends with its depth of flavor and textural contrast. A must-try for seafood lovers and culinary adventurers alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
1/2 cup
distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons
sugar
1 tablespoon
salt
1 teaspoon
carrot
1/4 lb (grated through a medium fine grater)
daikon radish
1/4 lb (grated through a medium fine grater)
sugar
2 tablespoons
water
2 tablespoons
fish sauce
1 tablespoon
oil
1 tablespoon
shallot
1 (finely diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
fish sauce
1 tablespoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
baguette
1 (French bread loaf)
mayonnaise
4 tablespoons
soy sauce
1 teaspoon
pickled carrots and daikon radish
1/2 cup (prepared from previous steps)
cucumber
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
cilantro
1 bunch
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeds removed and sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the pickled vegetables. In a bowl, mix together the warm water, distilled white vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully dissolved. Add the grated carrots and daikon radish to a jar or container and pour the pickling liquid over them. Allow the mixture to sit for at least one hour at room temperature to develop its flavors. The pickled vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2
Next, prepare the shrimp. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring to a boil, allowing it to caramelize until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the remaining water and fish sauce, stirring until the caramel is fully dissolved, then set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and tender. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, along with the caramel sauce, fish sauce, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4
While the shrimp is cooling, prepare the baguette. Slice it into four equal pieces and then cut each piece in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with soy sauce until well combined. Spread a generous layer of the mayo mixture on each side of the baguette.
5
Assemble the sandwiches by dividing the cooked shrimp among each baguette half. Top the shrimp with the pickled carrots and daikon, sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately, or wrap them for a tasty on-the-go lunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Shrimp Banh Mi with Pickled Veggies?
It is a Vietnamese-inspired sandwich featuring shrimp cooked in a rich caramel sauce, served on a baguette with pickled carrots, daikon, and fresh herbs.
How do I prepare the pickled vegetables?
Dissolve sugar and salt in warm water and distilled white vinegar, then pour the mixture over grated carrots and daikon radish.
How long should the vegetables sit in the pickling liquid?
The vegetables should sit for at least one hour at room temperature to properly develop their flavors.
How long can I store the pickled vegetables?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
How do I make the caramel sauce for the shrimp?
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, boil until it turns a deep amber color, then stir in fish sauce and additional water.
What aromatics are used when sautéing the shrimp?
The shrimp is sautéed with finely diced shallots and minced garlic cloves for fragrance and flavor.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked for approximately 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
What is the spread used on the baguette?
A mixture of mayonnaise and soy sauce is spread generously on each side of the baguette.
How is the baguette prepared for the sandwich?
The baguette is sliced into four equal pieces and then each piece is cut in half lengthwise.
What fresh vegetables are used as toppings?
The sandwich is topped with sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeño peppers.
What type of vinegar is best for the pickling liquid?
The recipe calls for distilled white vinegar to provide the necessary acidity.
Can I substitute the daikon radish?
If daikon is unavailable, you can use extra carrots or red radishes, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
You should use one pound of shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
How do I assemble the final sandwich?
Divide the shrimp among baguette halves, then layer with pickled veggies, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Is this Banh Mi recipe spicy?
The sandwich has a kick from the fresh jalapeño slices, but you can remove the seeds to reduce the heat.
What is the role of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce is used in both the caramel sauce and the shrimp sauté to provide a savory, umami depth.
Can I make this sandwich for a portable lunch?
Yes, the sandwiches can be served immediately or wrapped for a tasty on-the-go meal.
How should the carrots and daikon be grated?
They should be grated through a medium-fine grater to ensure they absorb the pickling liquid quickly.
What gives the shrimp its 'crispy' or rich flavor?
The rich caramel sauce combined with a quick sauté in oil creates a flavorful coating for the shrimp.
Do I need to cook the pickled vegetables?
No, the vegetables are prepared raw and then cured in the vinegar-based pickling liquid.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
A standard cooking oil is used to sauté the shallots, garlic, and shrimp.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise mixed with soy sauce.
Can I use a different bread if I don't have a baguette?
While a French baguette is traditional, any crusty bread roll could work as a substitute.
What is the total amount of fish sauce used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fish sauce in total, divided between the caramel sauce and the shrimp.
Should the shrimp be cooled before assembly?
The instructions recommend letting the cooked shrimp cool slightly before placing them in the baguette.
How much cilantro is recommended?
One full bunch of fresh cilantro is suggested for garnishing the sandwiches.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the pickling liquid?
Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the brine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the baguette preparation, the recipe typically serves four people.
What is the first step in making this Banh Mi?
The first step is preparing the pickled vegetables so they have time to develop flavor.
Can I add other proteins?
While this version focuses on shrimp, Banh Mi is versatile and can be made with pork, chicken, or tofu.