Easy Banh Mi Sandwich
This Easy Banh Mi Sandwich is a flavorful delight, perfect for a quick meal. It's stuffed with marinated pork tenderloin, tangy pickled carrots and jalapeños, crisp cucumber, and fresh cilantro. All these are nestled inside a toasted baguette, slathered with creamy mayonnaise. It's a simple yet delicious way to bring the taste of Vietnam to your table.
Servings: 4
Calories: 487kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha or other hcili sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
- fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 4 baguette rolls a foot long each
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
For The Pickled Carrots and Jalapenos
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- 2 small jalapenos thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pork slices with soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, and Sriracha. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in warm water. Add rice vinegar. Add the julienned carrots and jalapenos, ensuring they are submerged. Let them pickle for at least 15 minutes. After pickling, drain the water and set the carrots aside.
- In a skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork slices and cook until they are browned, almost charred and fully cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguettes in half, and then split each lengthwise without cutting all the way through, so it opens like a book. Place the baguette pieces on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on each toasted baguette. Layer the cooked pork slices onto the bottom half of each baguette. Top with pickled carrots and jalapeños, cucumber slices, and cilantro. Add an extra drizzle of Sriracha or chili sauce if desired. Close the sandwiches with the top half of the baguettes.
- Serve immediately with a side of chips or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For best flavor, let the pork marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinating for an hour or more enhances the taste even further.
- Adjusting Spiciness: Tailor the heat level to your liking. Use less Sriracha or chili sauce for a milder sandwich, or add more for an extra kick.
- Bread Selection: A traditional Banh Mi is made with a Vietnamese baguette, which is lighter and airier than French baguettes. However, any crusty baguette will work well for this recipe.
- Pickling the Vegetables: Don’t skip the pickling step for the carrots and jalapeños. It adds a crucial tangy crunch to the sandwich. You can pickle these ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add or substitute fillings based on your preference. Common additions include daikon radish, bell peppers, or different herbs like mint or basil.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 2697mg | Potassium: 614mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2675IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 12mg