Description
Banh Mi is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich combining crispy baguette, savory protein, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy condiments. It’s a delicious blend of bold flavors and textures that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette (Vietnamese-style or French baguette)
1/2 lb grilled chicken, or tofu (depending on preference)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or fish sauce)
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pickled carrots and daikon (see below for pickling instructions)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1–2 fresh jalapeño or Thai bird chilies, sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pickled Carrots and Daikon:
1/2 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup julienned daikon radish
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the Pickled Vegetables: In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the julienned carrots and daikon to the vinegar mixture, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.
- Prepare the Protein: If using chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry with olive oil until cooked through. Slice thinly. For tofu, press to remove excess moisture, then cut into slices and pan-fry with a little olive oil until golden and crispy. Season with soy sauce or fish sauce.
- Prepare the Baguette: Slice the baguette horizontally, leaving one side attached. Toast the baguette lightly in the oven or on a grill until crispy on the outside but still soft inside.
- Assemble the Banh Mi: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise inside the baguette. Add the protein of your choice, followed by pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro. For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños or bird chilies. Drizzle with soy sauce or fish sauce for added flavor.
- Serve: Close the baguette and slice into individual servings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Banh Mi: Substitute the roasted chicken for a lighter variation.
- Vegetarian Banh Mi: Use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version, and add extra veggies like avocado for creaminess.
- Spicy Banh Mi: Add more chilies or mix chili paste into the mayonnaise for a spicier version.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Shrimp Banh Mi: Substitute the protein with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding pickling time)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Grilled/Toasted
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
