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Flavorful Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe with Easy Crisp Pickled Vegetables

Flavorful Banh Mi Sandwich - featured image

A vibrant Vietnamese sandwich featuring tender marinated pork, crisp pickled carrots and daikon, fresh herbs, and a garlic-lime mayo on a crusty baguette. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (fresh and firm)
  • 1 cup shredded daikon radish (small-curd, crisp)
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 small crusty baguettes or banh mi rolls
  • 1/2 pound pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced (or tofu for vegetarian option)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Thinly sliced cucumber
  • Optional: sliced jalapeño

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Toss in shredded carrots and daikon radish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For extra crispness, drain and pat dry before assembling.
  2. Marinate the pork: Thinly slice pork into 1/4 inch strips. Mix with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon five-spice powder. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  3. Make garlic-lime mayo: Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon lime juice in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Cook the pork: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork strips 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep pork juicy.
  5. Prepare baguettes: Slice baguettes lengthwise leaving a hinge. Lightly toast if desired. Spread garlic-lime mayo evenly on both sides.
  6. Assemble sandwiches: Layer cooked pork, drained pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro sprigs, and jalapeños if using. Press gently to close and slice in half if desired.

Notes

For extra crisp pickled vegetables, drain and pat dry after pickling. The pickled veggies can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor. Use gluten-free baguettes or lettuce wraps for gluten-free or low-carb options. Avoid overcooking pork to keep it juicy. Toast baguette lightly to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: banh mi, Vietnamese sandwich, pickled vegetables, pork sandwich, quick sandwich recipe, garlic lime mayo, crispy pickles, easy banh mi