How to Prepare the Ideal Homemade Bánh Mì Sandwich
Juicy pork, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and spicy mayonnaise are all combined on a crispy baguette to create the Bánh Mì Sandwich, a popular Vietnamese street snack that is a delectable blend of French and Vietnamese flavors. You may alter every aspect of this classic, including the fillings and degree of spiciness, when you make it at home. This comprehensive guide offers advice on how to make a delectable Bánh Mì at home, along with suggestions for honing each ingredient.
Here’s the Bánh Mì recipe in a recipe card table format:
| Bánh Mì Vietnamese Sandwich Recipe |
|---|
| Prep Time 30 minutes (plus 1 hour pickling time) |
| Cook Time 10-15 minutesServings: |
| Servings 4 sandwiches |
Ingredients
| Pickled Vegetables | Amount | Meat Marinade | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrots, julienned | 1 cup | Pork shoulder or chicken thighs | 1 lb, thinly sliced |
| Daikon radish or cucumber, julienned | 1 cup | Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 1/2 cup | Fish sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup | Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup | Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Lemongrass, grated (optional) | 1 tbsp | ||
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Spicy Mayonnaise | Amount | For Assembly | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | Small French baguettes | 4 |
| Sriracha or chili sauce | 1-2 tsp (to taste) | Cucumber, sliced lengthwise | As needed |
| Lime juice | 1 tsp | Fresh cilantro sprigs | As needed |
| Sliced jalapeños (optional) | As needed |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Pickled Vegetables | In a saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then pour over carrots and daikon in a bowl or jar. |
| Let sit for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for up to 2 days. | |
| 2. Marinate the Meat | In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, lemongrass (if using), and black pepper. Add pork or chicken, marinate for 30 minutes. |
| 3. Cook the Meat | Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Set aside. |
| 4. Make Spicy Mayonnaise | In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust sriracha for desired spice level. |
| 5. Assemble the Bánh Mì | Slice each baguette lengthwise, spread spicy mayo on both sides, and layer cooked meat, cucumber, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeños (if using). |
| 6. Serve Immediately | Close the sandwiches, press gently, and enjoy! |
Tips
| Tips for the Best Bánh Mì |
|---|
| Use a light, airy baguette for an authentic texture. |
| Pickle vegetables a day ahead for deeper flavor. |
| Add pâté for a traditional twist or substitute tofu for a vegetarian version. |
This Bánh Mì recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors – tangy, savory, and spicy – in every delicious bite!
Contents Table:
- Components Required
- Tools and Setup
- Detailed Instructions
- Advice for the Ideal Bánh Mì
- Serving Ideas and Modifications
1. Materials Required
Regarding the pickled veggies:
One cup of carrots, julienned
One cup of daikon radish, julienned (or, alternatively, cucumber)
Half a cup of rice vinegar
Half a cup of water
1/4 cup of sugar
Half a teaspoon of salt
For the marinated meat (chicken or grilled pork):
One pound of finely cut chicken thighs or pork shoulder
Two tablespoons of soy sauce
Two tablespoons of fish sauce
One tablespoon of sugar
One tablespoon of sesame oil
- Two minced garlic cloves
One tablespoon of grated lemongrass, if desired for a more genuine taste
Half a teaspoon of black pepper
In order to make the spicy mayonnaise:
Half a cup of mayonnaise
One or two teaspoons of chili sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
One teaspoon of lime juice
For Putting the Bánh Mì Together:
Four tiny French baguettes, or two large baguettes cut in half
Slice a fresh cucumber lengthwise.
Fresh sprigs of cilantro
Sliced jalapeños, if desired, for more spiciness
2. Tools and Setting Up
You will require:
A sizable mixing basin for meat marinating
A little pot for the pickling liquid
A grill pan or skillet to cook the meat
A little bowl to combine the hot mayonnaise
A sharp knife to cut baguettes and veggies
Getting ready:
- To allow the meat to absorb flavors, marinate it for at least half an hour beforehand.
- For optimal results, prepare the pickled veggies several hours in advance, or even the day before.
- For the most realistic texture, use a baguette that is light, crusty, and has a soft inside.
3. Detailed Directions
First, get the pickled vegetables ready.
First, prepare the pickling liquid. Put the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small pot. Remove from the flame after the sugar has dissolved over medium heat.
- Insert the Vegetables: Put the daikon and julienned carrots in a bowl or container. Cover them with the pickling liquid and leave them to remain at room temperature for at least an hour or in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Step 2: Cook and Marinate the Meat
To make the marinade, put the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, garlic, and lemongrass (if using) in a big bowl.
- Marinate the Meat: Add the chicken or pork, making sure to coat every piece thoroughly. For optimal effects, marinate for at least half an hour or up to two hours.
The third step is to cook the meat by heating a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. The meat should be cooked through and caramelized after 3–4 minutes on each side. Put aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Hot Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. As desired, taste and adjust the level of spice.
Step 4: Put the Bánh Mì together
- Get the baguettes ready: With one side remaining as a hinge, cut each baguette lengthwise. Toast lightly if you’d like.
- Spread Spicy Mayo: Cover the baguette on both sides with a thick coating of spicy mayonnaise.
- Lay out the components: Top with grilled meat, cucumber slices, pickled veggies, fresh cilantro sprigs, and, if you choose, sliced jalapeños.
Close and Serve: Press the sandwich shut to allow the flavors to combine. Serve right away!
4. How to Make the Ideal Bánh Mì
- Select the Correct Baguette: Choose a baguette that has a light, airy feel within and a crusty exterior. Steer clear of baguettes that are too dense since they may overpower the fillings.
- Marinate the Meat for Flavor To get a rich, flavorful flavor, the meat must be marinated. It tastes better after marinating for an hour or two, if you have the time.
- Pickle Vegetables in Advance: Since the flavors intensify over time, make the pickled veggies a day in advance for the most tangy flavor.
- Tailor to Taste: Modify the amount of jalapeño slices and the amount of sriracha in the mayonnaise to control the spice. Use a small amount of sriracha and leave out the jalapeño for a mild sandwich.
5. Serving Ideas and Modifications
Serving Recommendations:
- Suggested Pairing: cool lime soda or Vietnamese iced coffee.
Serve with a side of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a savory, sweet dip.
Differences:
- Grilled Tofu: Use marinated and grilled tofu pieces in place of the meat for a vegetarian alternative. For the tofu, use the same marinade.
Egg Bánh Mì: Top with a fried egg for a rich, breakfast-style bánh mì with a creamy yolk.
- Pâté Version: For a deeper, more authentic Vietnamese taste, lightly cover the baguette with pig or chicken pâté.
Enjoy the popular Vietnamese flavors at home with this Bánh Mì Sandwich recipe. In a crunchy baguette, there is a lovely blend of salty, spicy, sour, and fresh ingredients. Enjoy preparing (and eating) this tasty sandwich!
best banh mi near me
A popular street food item worldwide, banh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that blends colorful, fresh flavors with a pleasing crunch. `
