Banh Mi

Description

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese culinary gem, is a symphony of flavors in a crusty baguette. This iconic sandwich boasts a fusion of French colonial influence and Vietnamese creativity. Packed with tender, marinated meats, crisp vegetables, and a creamy spread, Banh Mi delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a globally celebrated street food sensation.

Pork Marinade

400g pork loin or shoulder (thinly sliced)

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons honey or sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon five-spice powder

Pickled Vegetables

1 cup julienned carrots

1 cup julienned daikon radish

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Sandwich Ingredients

Baguettes or Vietnamese rolls

Mayonnaise

Fresh Coriander

Sliced cucumber

Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, and five-spice powder. Add the sliced pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, marinate overnight.
In a separate bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Add julienned carrots and daikon radish to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow to pickle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated pork slices until browned and cooked through.
Slice the baguettes or Vietnamese rolls in half, lengthwise. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both sides. Arrange the cooked pork on the bottom half of the bread. Top with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced cucumber, and jalapeños if desired. Close the sandwich and press gently.
Slice the Banh Mi into smaller portions and serve immediately. Enjoy the explosion of flavours and textures in this classic Vietnamese street food!
This Banh Mi recipe offers a perfect balance of savoury, sweet, and tangy elements, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.