Introduction
Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese street food that combines a crispy French baguette with a variety of fillings, including meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. This delightful sandwich reflects the blend of Vietnamese and French culinary influences, offering a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork loin, chicken thighs, or tofu, sliced or marinated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or vegan alternative)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup daikon radish, julienned
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 Vietnamese baguettes or crusty French baguettes
- Fresh cucumber, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Mayonnaise or vegan mayo
Instructions
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Prepare the pickled vegetables:
- In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Add the julienned daikon and carrots, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them pickle for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.
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Marinate and cook the meat (or tofu):
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Add the sliced meat or tofu, marinating for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes for chicken or pork, 10-15 minutes for tofu). Allow to rest before slicing.
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Assemble the Banh Mi:
- Slice the baguettes lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise inside each baguette.
- Layer the cooked meat or tofu, followed by pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, cilantro leaves, and jalapeños if desired.
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Serve:
- Enjoy immediately while the baguette is crispy and the ingredients are fresh.
Health Notes
- Opt for lean cuts of meat or tofu to reduce fat content.
- Limit the amount of mayonnaise for a healthier option, or use avocado for a creamy alternative.
Enjoying the Dish
- Banh Mi is best enjoyed fresh. Pair it with a side of Vietnamese iced coffee for a perfect meal!
Tips
- Baguette choice: For the best texture, use Vietnamese baguettes; they are lighter and crispier.
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings like grilled shrimp, beef, or a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Storage: If making in advance, store components separately to keep the bread crispy and vegetables fresh.
