Vietnamese Sandwich
Bánh mì is a delightful fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, combining a crispy, airy baguette with savory meats, fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and a rich spread of pâté or mayonnaise. This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, offering a taste of Vietnam's vibrant street food culture. A true culinary classic, bánh mì is both delicious and easy to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
Pickled Vegetables:
Additional Ingredients:
Instructions
Pickled Vegetables:
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In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and warm water until dissolved. Add julienned carrots and daikon radish. Let them pickle while you prepare the other ingredients, ideally for at least 15-20 minutes.
Marinate the Pork:
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In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Add thinly sliced pork and marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook the Pork:
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices until browned and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Prepare the Baguettes:
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While the pork is cooking, lightly toast the baguettes until crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside.
Assemble the Bánh Mì:
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Slice the baguettes lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket.
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Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise or pâté on one side of each baguette. Layer the cooked pork, pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, fresh herbs, and jalapeño (if using). Drizzle with a little soy sauce for extra flavor.
Serve:
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Enjoy immediately, savoring the wonderful combination of crispy bread, savory pork, and fresh, tangy vegetables.
Maricel's Tips
- If you can’t find traditional Vietnamese-style baguettes, try to find French baguettes that are light and airy. You want a crisp crust with a soft, airy interior. If needed, you can slightly hollow out the inside of a denser baguette to achieve the right texture.
- If you want to add even more authentic flavor, try adding a dash of Maggi seasoning to your sandwich along with the soy sauce. It's a common addition in Vietnam and really enhances the umami depth of the bánh mì.