Banh Mi: Vietnam's Iconic Sandwich
A delicious and vibrant Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi perfectly combines the crispiness of a French baguette with savory grilled pork, rich pâté, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh coriander, and creamy mayonnaise. It's a beloved street food staple from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Ingredients
- 1 each French baguette small
- 4 oz pork shoulder thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp pâté smooth
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pickled carrots and daikon julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander chopped
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced optional
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- 1. Marinate pork: In a bowl, combine sliced pork with soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- 2. Cook pork: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork until fully cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- 3. Prepare baguette: Slice the baguette lengthwise, leaving one side attached. Lightly toast if desired for extra crispiness.
- 4. Assemble sandwich: Spread pâté on one side of the baguette and mayonnaise on the other.
- 5. Layer fillings: Arrange the cooked grilled pork inside the baguette.
- 6. Add toppings: Top with pickled carrots and daikon, fresh coriander, and jalapeño slices (if using).
- 7. Serve: Close the sandwich and serve immediately.
Notes
For variations, try marinating chicken or tofu instead of pork. You can also add thin cucumber slices or a dash of sriracha for extra heat. Ensure your baguette is fresh and crusty for the best experience.