Name: Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 crusty baguette or 4 small sandwich rolls; 1/2 pound pork, grilled or roasted (can use pork belly, pork shoulder, or cold cuts); 1/2 cup pickled carrots and daikon (do chua); 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Maggi seasoning; 1–2 fresh chili slices (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

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The Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich is a bold, flavorful fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. Made with a crispy baguette, savory marinated meat, crunchy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy mayonnaise, this sandwich is a vibrant, satisfying meal with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banh Mi is both refreshing and deeply savory, thanks to the contrast between tangy pickled veggies and richly seasoned meat. It’s customizable, portable, and exciting in every bite. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or want to impress guests with global flavors, this sandwich delivers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sandwich:

Baguette (light and crispy-style)
Cooked protein (grilled pork, chicken, tofu, or pâté)
Mayonnaise
Fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Cucumber slices

For the pickled vegetables:

Carrots (julienned)
Daikon radish (julienned)
White vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Water

Directions

Prepare the pickled vegetables: In a bowl, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add carrots and daikon. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Toast the baguette lightly until warm and slightly crispy.
Slice open the baguette lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both sides.
Layer in your protein of choice, followed by pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Press gently to close the sandwich and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Pickling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (or 20 minutes if pickles are pre-made)

Variations

Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh and vegan mayo.
Pork Banh Mi: Marinate thin pork slices in soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, then grill.
Egg Banh Mi: Add a fried egg for a rich and satisfying twist.
Spicy Option: Add sriracha or chili paste with the mayo.
Banh Mi Bowl: Skip the bread and serve everything over rice or salad greens.

Storage/reheating

Assembled Banh Mi sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. Store pickled vegetables separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. Toast the bread and assemble just before serving. Reheat protein as needed before building the sandwich.

FAQs

What kind of bread should I use?

Use a light, airy baguette with a crisp crust—avoid dense or chewy varieties.

Can I use store-bought pickled vegetables?

Yes, but homemade gives better texture and flavor control.

How long do the pickled veggies last?

They stay crisp and flavorful for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Is Banh Mi spicy?

Only if you include jalapeños or spicy condiments—it’s easy to adjust.

What’s the traditional protein used?

Grilled pork or Vietnamese-style cold cuts are common, but chicken and tofu are popular too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free baguette and check that all sauces and condiments are gluten-free.

What mayo should I use?

Classic mayonnaise works, or try Kewpie mayo for a richer flavor.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Assemble just before eating to keep the bread crisp and vegetables fresh.

What other toppings can I include?

Try pate, fried eggs, sriracha, or hoisin sauce for extra richness and heat.

Can kids eat this?

Yes—use mild fillings and omit jalapeños to suit their palate.

Conclusion

The Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich is a delightful collision of flavors and cultures, offering a unique eating experience that’s crunchy, creamy, spicy, and savory all in one. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a standout sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.

Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich

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The Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines, featuring a crusty baguette filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy condiments.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Assembling
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Slice the baguette lengthwise, leaving a hinge. Lightly toast if desired.
Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread.
Layer the grilled or roasted pork onto the bread.
Add pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and chili slices.
Drizzle with soy sauce or Maggi seasoning.
Close the sandwich, press gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute chicken, tofu, or pâté for the pork to suit your preferences.
To make homemade pickles, soak julienned carrots and daikon in a vinegar-sugar-salt brine for 1 hour or overnight.
Maggi seasoning gives an authentic flavor, but soy sauce works in a pinch.