How to Make Delicious Banh Mi Viet Nam

Bánh mì is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that combines French bread with various fillings and toppings, such as grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s a beloved dish in Vietnam and around the world for its crispy exterior and flavorful ingredients. Here’s a recipe for making delicious bánh mì at home.

Ingredients:

For the bread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

For the filling:

• 1 pound grilled pork, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pickled carrots and daikon radish
• 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Make the bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water and stir until the dough comes together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Punch the dough down and divide it into 4-6 pieces, depending on how large you want your bánh mì to be.
7. Roll each piece into a long, thin baguette shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Make the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha until smooth.
10. To assemble the bánh mì, slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread the mayonnaise mixture on the bottom half.
11. Add the sliced pork, pickled vegetables, sliced cucumbers, and fresh cilantro.
12. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

This recipe is just one variation of bánh mì – feel free to experiment with different meats, vegetables, and sauces to make it your own.