Banh Mi Thit Nuong – Vietnamese Pork Sandwich Recipe

Banh Mi’s origins trace back to the 19th century, when French colonial rule introduced the baguette to Vietnam. The resourceful Vietnamese, with their culinary ingenuity, transformed this French bread into a symbol of their own culinary identity. They infused the baguette with their love for bold flavors and fresh ingredients, creating a sandwich that was both familiar and uniquely Vietnamese.

Today, Banh Mi stands as a testament to Vietnam’s culinary resilience and adaptability. It’s a dish that has evolved over time, reflecting the country’s rich history and diverse influences. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the charming beach towns of Hoi An, Banh Mi is a ubiquitous presence – a beloved snack and a culinary icon.

How to Make Vietnamese Pork Sandwich

Ingredients:

– For the Pickled Vegetables:

• ¼ cup julienned (2-inch matchsticks) daikon radish
• ¼ cup julienned (2-inch matchsticks) carrots
• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

– For the Marinated Pork:

• ½ pound boneless, skinless pork shoulder or thigh, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– For the Baguette:

• 1 crusty baguette, preferably 8-inch long

– For the Spread and Toppings:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo preferred, but regular mayonnaise works too)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon pâté (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Cucumber slices
• Jalapeño slices (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Vegetables

In a bowl, combine daikon radish, carrots, rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or until slightly softened.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

In a separate bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and black pepper. Add the sliced pork and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pork

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Baguette

Slice the baguette lengthwise, creating a pocket for the fillings. You can toast the baguette halves slightly for extra crispiness, if desired.

Step 5: Assemble the Banh Mi

Spread a layer of mayonnaise (and pâté, if using) on the bottom half of the baguette. Top with sriracha or chili sauce to your desired spice level.

Step 6: Layer the Goodness

Add the cooked pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, jalapeño slices (if using), and chopped green onions (if using).

Tips:

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the pork with marinated tofu or tempeh.
• You can also add other toppings like shredded carrots, pickled red onions, or fried shallots.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili sauce to your desired spice level.
• Banh Mi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover assembled sandwiches in the fridge for up to a day. However, the baguette might lose some of its crispness.

Types of Sauces

In a Vietnamese pork sandwich (Banh Mi Thit Nuong), various sauces are used to enrich the flavors and add diversity to the dish. Here are some common sauces:

1. Maggi Sauce: Known for its savory and rich flavor, Maggi sauce is often drizzled over grilled pork to enhance its taste profile.
2. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a creamy and easy-to-eat texture to the sandwich, usually spread evenly on the bread before adding other ingredients.
3. Sriracha Sauce: Made from chili peppers, Sriracha sauce brings a spicy and tangy flavor to the sandwich, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of heat.
4. Peanut Sauce: Peanut sauce is typically made from ground peanuts, sugar, soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice, creating a flavorful and nutty taste.
5. Fish Sauce: Integral to Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce is used for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of grilled pork. It adds a distinct salty and fresh taste.
6. Garlic Sauce: Garlic sauce features a strong garlic aroma, adding an extra dimension to the sandwich and complementing the grilled pork perfectly.

Homemade Sriracha Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450g) red chili peppers (such as Fresno or red jalapeños), stemmed and roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup water, or more as needed for blending
• Juice of 1 lime (optional, for added tanginess)

Instructions:

Step 1. Prepare the Chili Peppers: Stem and roughly chop the chili peppers. You can deseed them for a milder sauce or leave some seeds for extra heat.

Step 2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped chili peppers, garlic cloves, white vinegar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Blend until smooth. Add water gradually, as needed, to achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick but pourable.

Step 3. Cook the Sauce: Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to meld the flavors together and reduce the raw garlic taste.

Step 4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, sugar, or vinegar if desired for balance. If you prefer a tangier sauce, squeeze in the juice of a lime and stir well.

Step 5. Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the Sriracha sauce to clean, airtight containers or bottles. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

The choice of sauce depends on individual preferences and regional culinary habits. Some may prefer the robust flavor of Maggi or peanut sauce, while others may opt for the spicy kick of Sriracha. Mayonnaise and garlic sauce are also popular choices, offering diverse and rich flavors to Vietnamese pork sandwiches.

Enjoy experimenting with these sauces to create your perfect Banh Ni Thit Nuong, tailored to your taste preferences and culinary adventures!

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting your own Vietnamese pork sandwich (Banh Mi Thit Nuong) at home allows you to experience the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish a beloved street food favorite. From the tender, marinated pork to the crunchy pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, each bite encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Banh Mi Thit Nuong offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, enhanced by the contrast of textures between the crispy baguette and the tender grilled pork. This versatile sandwich is not just a meal but a culinary journey that reflects the cultural fusion and ingenuity of Vietnam’s food culture.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to the irresistible taste of homemade Banh Mi Thit Nuong. Your taste buds will thank you for bringing a piece of Vietnamese street food tradition right into your kitchen.