Imagine biting into a sandwich that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi - crispy baguette, tender pork, tangy pickled vegetables, and a spicy kick that dances on your taste buds. This Shortcut Banh Mi is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that you can create in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or an adventurous foodie, this Vietnamese classic will revolutionize your lunch game and leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Baguette
- Pickled carrots
- Pickled daikon
- Cooked pork
- Cilantro
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pickled carrots and daikon. If you haven't done this in advance, you can make a quick pickle by combining equal parts of vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Add thinly sliced carrots and daikon to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them sit for at least 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Next, gather your other ingredients. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket for the fillings.
- Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the inside of each half of the baguette. This will add creaminess and flavor to your banh mi.
- Layer the cooked pork evenly inside the baguette. You can use any type of cooked pork you prefer, such as grilled pork, roasted pork, or even leftover pork from a previous meal. Make sure to distribute it evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Next, add a handful of the pickled carrots and daikon on top of the pork. The acidity from the pickles will complement the richness of the pork beautifully.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the pickled vegetables. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that is essential to the banh mi experience.
- For a spicy kick, drizzle sriracha over the top. Adjust the amount to your personal heat preference.
- Close the baguette and press down gently to compress the ingredients slightly. This will help hold everything together.
- If desired, you can toast the filled baguette in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until the bread is crispy and golden brown. This step is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
- Once toasted, remove the banh mi from the pan and let it cool for a moment. Then, slice the baguette into manageable portions.
- Serve your shortcut banh mi immediately, accompanied by any extra sriracha or pickled vegetables on the side for added flavor.
Tips
- Quick Pickle Hack: If you're short on time, your quick pickle mixture of vinegar and sugar works perfectly. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or some crushed garlic to the pickling liquid.
- Bread Matters: Choose a fresh baguette with a crispy exterior and soft interior. Slightly warming or toasting the bread enhances its texture and flavor.
- Protein Flexibility: While the recipe suggests pork, feel free to experiment with grilled chicken, tofu, or even leftover roast beef for variety.
- Sriracha Control: Adjust the spice level by drizzling sriracha sparingly or serving it on the side for heat-sensitive diners.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Pickled vegetables can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving you prep time on cooking day.
- Garnish Options: Don't limit yourself to cilantro - consider adding sliced jalapeños, cucumber, or a dash of maggi seasoning for extra authenticity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
