Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g pork belly
  • 2 baguettes
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
  • 2 cucumbers
  • 4 carrots
  • 1 daikon radish
  • 1 red chili
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Butter for spreading
  • 1 jar of pate (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Marinate the pork belly with soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Leave it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. While waiting for the pork to marinate, prepare the pickled vegetables. Peel and cut the carrots and daikon radish into thin, long slices. Mix them with sugar, white vinegar, and water, then set them aside for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  4. Place the marinated pork belly on a baking tray and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until it's well-cooked and slightly crispy.
  5. While the pork is in the oven, slice the cucumbers and red chili, and wash the cilantro.
  6. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. After it has cooled down a bit, slice it into thin pieces.
  7. Preheat your grill or toaster. Cut the baguettes in half and spread some butter on each side. If you like, you can also spread some pate. Then grill or toast them until they are warm and slightly crispy.
  8. Assemble your Banh Mi. On each half of the baguettes, place a layer of sliced pork belly, followed by pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro. Add some slices of red chili if you like it spicy.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the Banh Mi immediately while it's still warm. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping ingredients and preparing the Banh Mi.
  • Knife - Essential for slicing the pork belly, vegetables, and baguettes.
  • Baking tray - Needed to bake the marinated pork belly in the oven.
  • Grill or toaster - Used to toast the baguettes and achieve a warm, crispy texture.
  • Mixing bowl - Used to mix the sugar, vinegar, and water for pickling the vegetables.
  • Vegetable peeler - Necessary for peeling the carrots and daikon radish for pickling.
  • Measuring spoons - Required to accurately measure the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and vinegar.
  • Oven - Used to bake the marinated pork belly.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or beef instead of pork belly for the protein.
  • Replace the baguettes with bao buns or tortillas for a different twist.
  • Add Sriracha or other hot sauce for extra spiciness.
  • Include sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
  • Experiment with different pickled vegetables such as pickled radishes or pickled onions.
  • Try adding a fried egg for a breakfast Banh Mi.
  • Use tofu or tempeh as a meat-free alternative.
  • Add sliced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
  • Replace the cilantro with fresh mint leaves for a different flavor profile.
  • Spread some hoisin sauce or peanut sauce on the baguettes for added flavor.

Recipe overview

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam with the iconic Banh Mi sandwich! This dish is a delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines, featuring a crispy baguette filled with tender slices of marinated pork belly, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and spicy red chili. While the preparation involves various steps, from marinating the pork to pickling the vegetables, the result is a sandwich that's bursting with flavor and texture. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, the Banh Mi promises a satisfying, exotic feast that's sure to impress. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of meat instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use other cuts of meat like pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different flavor and texture.
  2. Can I make the pickled vegetables ahead of time? Absolutely! The pickled vegetables can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  3. Can I omit the pate? Yes, the pate is optional. If you prefer not to use it, you can still enjoy a delicious Banh Mi without it.
  4. What if I can't find daikon radish? If daikon radish is not available, you can substitute it with regular radish or omit it altogether.
  5. Is there a vegetarian version of Banh Mi? Yes, you can make a vegetarian Banh Mi by omitting the meat and using tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative.
  6. Can I add other toppings or sauces? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Banh Mi with additional toppings like sliced jalapenos, pickled jalapenos, or different sauces like Sriracha or hoisin sauce.
  7. Can I use a different type of bread? While the traditional Banh Mi uses baguettes, you can experiment with different bread options like ciabatta or a crusty roll for a unique twist.
  8. How should I store any leftovers? It's best to consume Banh Mi immediately while it's still fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the Banh Mi again when ready to eat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese term for all kinds of bread, but it is now globally recognized as a mouth-watering sandwich from Vietnam. Its origin traces back to the French colonial period in Vietnam in the late 1800s, when the French introduced baguette to the country. Over time, the Vietnamese people adapted the French sandwich to their taste, making it a fusion of Vietnamese and French flavours. The locals began adding their own ingredients like pickled vegetables, cilantro, chili, and a variety of proteins, making it a unique dish with a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, sour and spicy flavors. Today, Banh Mi is not only a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, but also a culinary ambassador, making a name for Vietnam in the international food scene. It's often said that the essence of a place resides in its food, and Banh Mi is a delightful reflection of the rich history and diverse influences in Vietnamese culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.