Irresistible Vietnamese Sandwich Recipe (Bánh Mì)

Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Vietnamese Sandwich, known as Bánh Mì. A fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors, this sandwich features a crispy baguette filled with a harmonious mix of savory and fresh ingredients. Follow this recipe to create your own Bánh Mì masterpiece at home.

Ingredients:

For the Baguette:

• 1 French baguette, split lengthwise
• Butter or mayonnaise for spreading

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb Vietnamese pork sausage (Chả Lụa), thinly sliced
• 1/2 lb pork belly, thinly sliced and grilled
• 1 cup pickled daikon and carrot (Đồ Chua)
• Fresh cucumber, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Fresh chili slices (optional for spice lovers)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Maggi sauce or fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baguette:

• Preheat the oven or toaster oven. Spread butter or mayonnaise on the inside of the baguette.

2. Grill the Meats:

• Grill the pork sausage and pork belly until fully cooked and slightly crispy.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, soy sauce, Maggi sauce or fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Bánh Mì:

• Layer the grilled pork sausage and pork belly on the bottom half of the baguette.
• Add a generous amount of pickled daikon and carrot.
• Place cucumber slices on top, followed by fresh cilantro leaves and chili slices if using.

5. Drizzle with Sauce:

• Drizzle the prepared sauce over the fillings.

6. Close and Toast:

• Close the sandwich with the other half of the baguette. Wrap the sandwich in foil and toast it in the oven for about 5 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice the Bánh Mì into smaller portions and serve immediately.

Conclusion: Treat your taste buds to the explosion of flavors in this Vietnamese Sandwich. The combination of succulent grilled meats, pickled veggies, and the savory sauce tucked into a crispy baguette creates a culinary experience that’s uniquely Vietnamese. Enjoy your homemade Bánh Mì as a delightful lunch or snack, capturing the essence of Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture.