Authentic Banh Mi Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (approx. 100g / 3.5 oz)
- 1 medium daikon radish, julienned (approx. 200g / 7 oz)
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 250ml (1 cup) rice vinegar
- 500ml (2 cups) water
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 4 small baguettes (or French bread sticks)
- 200g (7 oz) grilled chicken or pork
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Fresh cilantro, a handful
- 2 green chilies, sliced thin (or according to taste)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mandoline (optional for julienne slicing)
- Non-stick Fry Pan
- Baking Tray
- Oven
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes including marinating time
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in rice vinegar and water. Add the julienned carrot and daikon radish to this mixture. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the tangy sweetness of the pickling liquid. For best results, prepare this a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
If you haven’t already, grill the chicken or pork slices with a touch of soy sauce until cooked through, approximately 10 minutes over medium heat on a non-stick fry pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Banh Mi Sandwich
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the baguettes lengthwise, keeping the halves attached on one side like a book. Crisp the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the baguettes are crisp, spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the inside halves. Layer with slices of grilled meat, and then top with a mixture of pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and green chilies. Drizzle a bit of soy sauce over the ingredients for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Banh Mi sandwich is ready to enjoy! Best eaten fresh, relish the explosion of flavors with each bite!
Conclusion
Creating a Banh Mi sandwich is not only about putting together a few tasty ingredients—it’s an exercise in balancing tastes, textures, and cultural history. Each component, from the flaky baguette to the tangy pickled vegetables, plays an essential role in creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Enjoy making this sandwich regularly, experiment with different proteins or homemade sauces, and savor the culinary journey it takes you on. Bon appétit!
