Welcome to a culinary adventure that combines the best of French and Vietnamese flavors—the beloved Banh Mi sandwich! With its crusty baguette, succulent marinated pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, the Banh Mi is a true delight for the taste buds. In this post, we’ll guide you through a traditional recipe that captures the essence of this iconic Vietnamese street food.
Get ready to savor the harmonious fusion of savory, tangy, and aromatic elements that make the Banh Mi an irresistible culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or simply seeking a sandwich with a twist, this recipe will surely leave you craving more. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on a culinary journey to create a mouthwatering Crispy Pork Banh Mi that will transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Get ready to enjoy a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds.
Crispy Pork Banh Mi
Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) of pork tenderloin or pork belly, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish
- 1/2 cup julienned carrot
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mayonnaise
- Pâté (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Instructions:
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Marinate the pork: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Add the sliced pork and mix well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
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Pickle the vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine the julienned daikon radish, carrot, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to pickle the vegetables. Drain any excess liquid before using.
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Cook the pork: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices until they are cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
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Prepare the baguette: Cut the baguette into individual sandwich-sized portions. Slice each portion horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving a hinge.
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Spread the condiments: Open the baguette and spread a layer of mayonnaise on both sides. If desired, spread pâté on one side of the baguette.
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Assemble the banh mi: Arrange the cooked pork slices on one side of the baguette. Layer with pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cilantro leaves, cucumber slices, and sliced chili peppers (if using). Close the sandwich and press gently.
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Serve and enjoy: Your banh mi sandwich is ready to be enjoyed! It can be served as is or wrapped in parchment or butcher paper for easy handling.
Feel free to customize your banh mi with additional ingredients like sliced jalapeños, fried eggs, or other fillings of your choice.
Enjoy this delicious Vietnamese sandwich!
Until Next Time… Be Well!
RSN