Vegan-Friendly Tofu Banh Mi: A Fresh and Flavorful Vietnamese Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 block of extra-firm tofu (14 oz)
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
  • 1 large baguette
  • 1/4 cup of vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 cups of pickled vegetables (daikon radish and carrots)
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Press the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into slices about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Place the tofu slices in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the marinated tofu slices to the skillet (reserving the marinade) and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy and browned.
  4. While the tofu is cooking, slice the baguette into 4 equal pieces and cut each piece open. Spread a generous amount of vegan mayonnaise on each piece.
  5. When the tofu is done, place it on the baguettes. Top with pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, jalapeno slices, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with the reserved marinade if desired.
  6. Serve the tofu banh mi sandwiches immediately.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for slicing the tofu, vegetables, and baguette.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the tofu, vegetables, and baguette.
  • Skillet - Used for cooking the marinated tofu slices.
  • Shallow dish - Used for marinating the tofu.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Required for accurately measuring ingredients such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, etc.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different protein: Instead of tofu, you can try using seitan, tempeh, or marinated portobello mushrooms as a meat-free alternative.
  • Spice it up: Add Sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicier flavor.
  • Experiment with bread: Instead of a traditional baguette, try using ciabatta bread or whole wheat rolls.
  • Swap the pickled vegetables: You can use different vegetables for pickling such as radishes, bell peppers, or even pickled onions.
  • Add more veggies: Include other crisp and fresh vegetables like lettuce, bean sprouts, or sliced avocado.
  • Add a twist with sauces: Enhance the flavors by adding other sauces like hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or tahini sauce.
  • Add a protein boost: If you prefer a heartier sandwich, you can add some sliced vegan deli meat or vegan cheese.
  • Grill the tofu: Instead of pan-frying, you can grill the marinated tofu for a smoky flavor and grill marks.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of Vietnam with this delicious and hearty Tofu Banh Mi recipe! This vegan-friendly dish features marinated tofu slices that are pan-fried until crispy, and then served on a baguette with a generous smear of vegan mayo and a vibrant mix of pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, jalapeno, and cilantro. The tangy pickles and fresh veggies perfectly complement the savory tofu, resulting in a sandwich that's packed with flavor and texture. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking for a new lunch idea, this Tofu Banh Mi is sure to impress. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking. Let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of tofu? Yes, you can use firm tofu instead of extra-firm tofu. However, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly softer.
  2. How long should I press the tofu? Press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps to remove excess water and allows the tofu to absorb the marinade better.
  3. Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of vegan mayonnaise? Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you're not following a vegan diet. The choice is up to your preference.
  4. Can I make the pickled vegetables ahead of time? Absolutely! It's actually recommended to make the pickled vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. They can be prepared a few days in advance.
  5. Can I add other toppings to the banh mi? Certainly! Banh mi is versatile, so feel free to add other toppings such as sliced avocado, thinly sliced radishes, or even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
  6. Can I use a different type of bread instead of a baguette? Traditionally, banh mi is made with a baguette, but you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. Just make sure it is sturdy enough to hold the fillings.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the tofu, vegetables, and baguette.
  • Skillet - A non-stick or cast iron skillet for cooking the tofu.
  • Shallow dish - A dish for marinating the tofu.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and removing the tofu from the skillet.
  • Spatula - For spreading the vegan mayonnaise on the baguette.

Origin stories

Bánh Mì is a testament to Vietnam's resilience and resourcefulness. Born out of the French colonial era in the late 19th century, Bánh Mì blends French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. The French introduced baguettes to Vietnam, but the locals soon made it their own, using rice and wheat flour to create a lighter, crispier bread. When the French departed, the Vietnamese filled the baguette with local ingredients like cilantro, pickled carrots, and daikon, creating a fusion sandwich unlike any other. The Tofu Bánh Mì is a vegetarian adaptation of this iconic sandwich, swapping traditional pork for marinated tofu. Whether it's a quick lunch or a picnic treat, Tofu Bánh Mì carries with it a slice of Vietnamese history in every bite.

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.