Imagine biting into a warm, crusty baguette filled with savory grilled pork, crunchy carrots, and fresh cilantro.
This Vietnamese sandwich isn’t just a feast for the senses but also incredibly easy to make at home.
The simple marinade transforms the pork into a flavorful delight, while the spicy mayo adds a kick.
It’s a comforting and indulgent treat that anyone can enjoy. Let’s bring this delicious sandwich to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Grill pan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 4 baguettes, split open
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking the Vietnamese sandwich, here’s a suggested timeline that includes reading, prep work, and cooking activities:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Start by reading the entire recipe to understand the process and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Marinade Preparation and Pork Resting (5 minutes):
- Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl to create the marinade.
- Add the pork slices to the marinade and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Vegetable Prep and Spicy Mayo (10 minutes):
- While the pork is resting, julienne the carrots and slice the cucumbers.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha to create the spicy mayo spread.
- Preheat Grill Pan (2 minutes):
- Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat while finishing the vegetable prep and spicy mayo.
- Grill Pork (8 minutes):
- Grill the pork slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Assemble Sandwiches (5 minutes):
- While the pork is grilling, lightly toast the baguettes if desired.
- Spread the spicy mayo inside each baguette.
- Once the pork is ready, fill the baguettes with grilled pork, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Serve (2 minutes):
- Serve the sandwiches immediately while the pork is still warm.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl to create a marinade.
Add pork slices to the marinade and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the pork slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl to make a spicy mayo spread.
Spread the spicy mayo inside each baguette.
Fill the baguettes with grilled pork, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
Serve immediately while the pork is still warm.
Serving Tips
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of pickled daikon and radish for a tangy contrast.
- Soup: Pair with a light and invigorating Vietnamese pho or chicken broth to complement the sandwich.
- Rice Paper Rolls: Offer fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or tofu as a light appetizer.
- Chips: Add a side of crispy shrimp chips for a crunchy and savory addition.
- Iced Tea: Enjoy with a glass of Vietnamese iced tea for a sweet and cooling beverage option.
Storage
To store Vietnamese sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate them for up to 2 days.
For best taste, keep the spicy mayo separate until serving.
Freezing
To freeze Vietnamese sandwiches, wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for ideal texture.
Reheating
To reheat a Vietnamese sandwich, wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
This preserves the texture and flavors without drying it out.
Final Thoughts
The Vietnamese sandwich, also known as Banh Mi, is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines various textures and tastes.
The key to its deliciousness lies in the balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements.
The marinated pork provides a rich umami flavor, while the fresh vegetables add a crisp and invigorating contrast.
The spicy mayo spread adds a creamy and tangy kick, enhancing the overall taste experience.
For an authentic touch, lightly toasting the baguettes gives a delightful crunch.
Enjoy this sandwich as a quick meal or share it with friends and family for a delightful culinary experience.
Adjust the spice level to your liking, ensuring a perfect balance that suits your palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Chicken for Pork in the Vietnamese Sandwich?
Sure, you can substitute chicken for pork. Analyze the marinade’s compatibility with chicken, noting it may absorb flavors differently. Comparatively, chicken offers a leaner option, altering the sandwich’s texture and taste, yet maintaining a delicious balance.
What Are Traditional Side Dishes Served With Vietnamese Sandwiches?
You’ll find that traditional sides often include pickled vegetables, fresh spring rolls, or a light papaya salad. These options complement the main dish, offering a revitalizing contrast to the savory sandwich with their crisp and tangy flavors.
How Can I Make a Vegetarian Version of This Sandwich?
Swap pork for marinated tofu or grilled mushrooms. Enhance flavors with soy, fish sauce, and garlic. Compare textures: tofu’s softness versus mushroom’s meatiness. Analyze flavor balance, adjusting spicy mayo and veggies to maintain authenticity and personal taste preference.
What Type of Baguette Is Best for Vietnamese Sandwiches?
You’ll want a light, airy baguette with a crisp crust for the best experience. A French-style baguette works well, but a traditional Vietnamese baguette, like bánh mì, offers a more authentic, delicate texture and flavor.
Are There Any Regional Variations of the Vietnamese Sandwich?
You’ll find regional variations in ingredients and flavors, such as using lemongrass in the South or adding pickled vegetables in the North. Compare these differences to understand how geography influences taste and preparation techniques.
Vietnamese Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Grill pan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 4 baguettes split open
- 1 cup carrot julienned
- 1 cup cucumber sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sriracha
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl to create a marinade.
- Add pork slices to the marinade and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the pork slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl to make a spicy mayo spread.
- Spread the spicy mayo inside each baguette.
- Fill the baguettes with grilled pork, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately while the pork is still warm.
Notes
