Banh Mi are actually very easy to replicate at home with the right recipe. I’ve poured my heart and taste buds into research to bring you the best recipe out there which includes the right cut of meat, preparation, the best marinade and cooking technique. And the best part is? It takes just as much time to do it right, as it does to not to! So, follow the recipe and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best Vietnamese Sandwiches you’ve ever sunk your teeth into. Here’s how to set your recipe apart:
1. USE THE RIGHT CUT OF PORK
There are Banh Mi recipes made with pork belly (too fatty), pork shoulder (too tough unless you go shredded), pork meatballs (not the right texture), and even chicken. This recipe is made with pork tenderloin which lives up to its name – its unbelievably buttery tender! Pounding the thin slices of meat with a mallet before marinating makes them even more tender when you didn’t even think it was possible.
2.SLICE THE PORK THINLY LENGTHWISE
Pork tenderloin, any way you slice it, is going to be delicious, but there is a good, better best way to prepare it:
a. Good is marinating and cooking the whole pork tenderloin but it doesn’t get as flavorful and only caramelizes the exterior.
b. Better is slicing the pork across the grain before marinating. However, this creates loads of super small slices that are an extra pain to grill because of the quantity and size. It also requires many small tedious slices for one sandwich.
c. Best is to slice the pork for the Vietnamese Sandwiches lengthwise into long, thin cuts. Not only do the thin slices soak up all the marinade, but you’re rewarded with a larger surface area for grilling, a bounty of caramelized edges and the slices layer beautifully in the sandwich rolls.
3.DON’T SKRIMP ON THE MARINADE
The Pork Banh Mi is only as delicious as the marinade, and I’m confident that this one is the best you’ll find! It is an aromatic co*cktail of lemongrass, shallots, fish sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice, maple sugar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, chili paste, ground coriander and Chinese 5 spice.
I know it sounds like a surplus of ingredients, but they are all essential to create the BEST stand-alone, showstopping pork. I experimented with streamlining the recipe, omitting certain ingredients like using all fish sauce and omitting the oyster sauce, using all brown sugar and omitting the maple. However, the most tantalizing marinade celebrates all the ingredients and is rewarded with their complex nuances, however subtle or not-so-subtle they may be.
Lastly, give yourself at least a few hours to marinate the pork, ideally 6-8. The longer you marinate the pork the more flavorful your entire Banh Mi recipe experience!
4. USE HOT WATER TO PICKLE YOUR VEGETABLES
The final crucial element in Banh Mi are the pickled carrot and daikon(called “Đồ Chua” in Vietnamese). They add the crunch and tartness to contrast the tender pork and crispy, airybaguette. The perfect pickled vegetables are not too sour, not too sweet, pickled long enough – and there’s enough of them!
Many recipes erroneously call for mixing rice vinegar, sugar and water together and pouring it over the vegetables – but the sugar doesn’t dissolve this way! Instead, combine the water, vinegar and sugar, heat in the microwave and then pour the brine over the vegetables so it can begin to work its magic. The pickled carrots and daikon will last in your fridge for several weeks, so they’re easy to make ahead!
5. LOAD UP THE LAYERS ON TOASTED BUNS
The beauty of the Vietnamese Sandwich is the ridiculously rewarding pairing of crunchy, soft, creamy textures and complex rich, umami, bright, zesty, spicy, sour, fresh flavors – so please don’t skip any elements! This
fresh yet protein packed and hearty sandwich is meant to be enjoyed on crusty, airy baguettes, so be sure to toast them so the mountain of toppings doesn’t make the airy bread soggy and lose some of its tantalizing charm.
FAQs
Banh Mi is quite healthy. The typical Banh Mi has just under 600 calories. The protein is the nutritional star of the dish coming in at 30 grams. The 19 grams of fat are still acceptable.
What does banh mi translate to? ›
Bánh Mì (pronounced BUN-mee) is the Vietnamese term for “bread”, but it also refers to a special kind of sandwich: a culinary fusion of two cultures and a prime example of how food is always tied with history… The story begins in the mid-19th century when Vietnam fell under French colonial rule.
Is banh mi the world's best sandwich? ›
Vietnam's 'banh mi' has been ranked first in the list of the top 100 sandwiches in the world by Taste Atlas — an experiential travel online guide for traditional food.
What is a banh mi sandwich made of? ›
Banh mi sandwiches are a Vietnamese street food that originated in Saigon. Served on soft French baguettes, they're a delicious hybrid of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Typically, they contain pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and a protein.
Is Vietnamese food not healthy? ›
The Vietnamese diet can be high in sodium, with its reliance on fish sauce and MSG as common condiments, and low in fiber (with its lack of whole grains).
Which is healthier, pho or banh mi? ›
Banh mi – don't get us wrong – is a massive asset to Vietnamese cuisine. Like pho, its reputation precedes it and if you can order one fresh, you will be thrilled at how filling it tastes. Even so, coming home after a long day at work or in a blizzard, a bowl of pho is the healthiest and most filling of comfort foods.
What is the white stuff in banh mi? ›
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that's made up of an odd sounding combination – crusty bread rolls smeared with pate, mayo, suspicious looking Asian ham, pickled vegetables, green onion, coriander/cilantro, a mighty wack of fresh chillies and drizzle of seasoning.
Do people in Vietnam eat banh mi? ›
If you've ever visited Vietnam, you have definitely tasted this snack sandwich from either street side vendors or in local bistros. Banh Mi is considered to be a staple dish in Vietnam, but the sandwich itself has been devoured in countries in the western hemisphere as well.
Is banh mi hot or cold? ›
the perfect make ahead: banh mi can be served hot or cold that's why they are great to make ahead. with the correct bread these things can hold assembled an entire day that's why the crust on the bread is important it keeps it from getting soggy. SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO: SPICY BEEF AND BRUSSEL SPROUT SLAW SANDWICH.
What is the closest bread to banh mi? ›
These are the ingredients you'll need to make this bánh mì recipe: Bread: Don't overthink this as one community member says. Look for light, lofty bread. A French-style baguette works but so does a Mexican bolillo or hoagie-style roll.
What's America's favorite sandwich? More cheese, please. Grilled cheese, according to the data which revealed that 79 percent of people either "like" or "somewhat like" the ooey-gooey sandwich. That's no surprise, given that it's one of the most classic comfort foods.
What pâté is used in banh mi? ›
Pate – Pate is extremely popular as a Banh Mi filling and is often combined with other fillings. It can be made from pork, duck or chicken liver. Trung Chien or Op La (Fried Eggs) – You will see eggs at a Banh Mi stand quite often. Banh Mi Op La is an extremely popular breakfast snack in Vietnam.
Are banh mi healthy? ›
Banh Mi is not only a tasty treat, but it's also a healthier option than other fast-food sandwiches. At Cilantro Fresh, the sandwich is made with fresh ingredients, and you can choose your protein and toppings to make it as healthy or indulgent as you want.
What is the yellow stuff in banh mi? ›
If you can, level up the mayonnaise for Kewpie mayonnaise, which is made exclusively with egg yolks, producing a rich yellow mayonnaise common in bánh mì.
What is the English name for banh mi? ›
Bánh mì
| Alternative names | Vietnamese roll or sandwich, Saigon roll or sandwich |
|---|
| Type | Sandwich |
| Place of origin | South Vietnam |
| Invented | 1950s |
| Main ingredients | Vietnamese baguette (also called bánh mì) |
4 more rowsIf you see them wash the bowls or plates in tap water and they are still wet when putting your food in it, maybe this isn't the street stall for you. For this very reason, “banh mi” (Vietnamese sandwich) is one the safest street stall foods you can eat because there are no vessels or utensils involved!
What is the healthiest food to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant? ›
Vietnamese fresh spring roll (goi cuon) - one of the healthiest Vietnamese dishes. Vietnamese fresh spring rolls (goi cuon), often dubbed Vietnamese vegetable rolls, are a shining example of wholesome Vietnamese cuisine.
How many calories are in a banh mi? ›
1 serving of banh mi (vietnamese sandwich) contains 580 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 50% carbs, 30% fat, and 21% protein.
Are Vietnamese rolls unhealthy? ›
Vietnamese Spring Rolls are a delightful, healthy option, packed with fresh flavors and a variety of textures, making them a popular choice for a light meal or appetizer.
