Banh Mi Sandwich ( Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sandwich )
The origins of Banh Mi sandwiches can be traced back to the colonial era when Vietnam fell under French rule. The French brought bread to Vietnam, notably the French baguette. However, as Vietnamese cuisine evolved, so did Banh Mi. Influenced by Vietnam's rich culinary heritage, the sandwich expanded to include a broader range of ingredients, including different meats, herbs, and sauces. This led to a harmonious blend of Vietnamese flavors with French-style bread, resulting in a distinct culinary sensation that rapidly gained popularity both domestically and globally.
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Ingredients
  • 1 lb (453g) pork tenderloin (thinly sliced)
    • Marinade:
  • 2 tbsp (33g) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp (36g) fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp (39g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp (4g) lemongrass (minced)
  • 1 tsp (3g) garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
    • For the Pickled Vegetables:
  • 1 cup (110g) carrots (julienned)
  • 1 cup (110g) daikon radish (julienned)
  • 1/4 cup (58g) rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) water
  • 1 tbsp (12g) sugar
  • 1 tsp (6g) salt
    • For the Sandwich:
  • 2 baguettes
  • 1/4 cup (58g) mayonnaise
  • Cucumbers (sliced)
  • Sliced jalapeños (adjust to your preferred spice level)
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Sriracha sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine the pork and marinade ingredients and marinate for about 30 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the carrots and daikon radish to the mixture. Cover and let the vegetables marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally longer for more flavor.
  3. Preheat the grill and place the marinated pork on it. Grill until the pork is fully cooked. Transfer the pork to a plate.
  4. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the top half of the bread. On the bottom half of the bread, arrange the sliced pork. Top with the pickled vegetables, sliced cucumbers, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. If you like it spicy, drizzle some Sriracha sauce on top.
Recipe Notes

Feel free to customize your Banh Mi with your choice of protein, vegetables, and sauces to suit your taste.