Banh Mi Charcuterie Board: A Delicious Twist on Vietnamese Cuisine

Imagine the bold, fresh flavors of a traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich presented on a beautiful charcuterie board. The Banh Mi Charcuterie Board is an innovative way to enjoy this iconic dish, combining crispy bread, savory proteins, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs in a format that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating your family, this board is a showstopper. Let’s explore the ingredients and process to make this masterpiece at home!

What is a Banh Mi Charcuterie Board?

A Banh Mi Charcuterie Board is a creative and modern take on the traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, presented in a visually stunning and sharable format. Instead of serving pre-assembled sandwiches, all the classic components of a Banh Mi—crusty baguettes, savory proteins, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and flavorful condiments—are beautifully arranged on a board. This allows guests to customize their own sandwiches, mixing and matching ingredients to suit their tastes. The Banh Mi Charcuterie Board combines the bold, fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with the communal and interactive dining experience of a charcuterie board, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something unique and delicious.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Banh Mi Charcuterie Board

– Bread (Banh Mi)

• Mini Baguettes: 6-8 pieces
• French Bread Slices: 12-15 slices

– Proteins

• Grilled Lemongrass Pork (Thit Nuong): 300g
• Lemongrass Chicken: 200g
• Vietnamese Pork Sausage (Cha Lua): 150g
• Pâté: 150g

– Pickled Carrots and Daikon (Do Chua): 2 picks

– Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

• Cucumbers: 1 large cucumber
• Cilantro (Ngo): 1 small bunch
• Mint or Thai Basil: 1 small bunch
• Jalapeños: 2 thinly sliced

– Condiments

• Hoisin Sauce: 1/4 cup
• Sriracha: 2-3 tablespoons
• Laughing Cow Cheese: 6-8 wedges

– Toppings

• Fried Shallots: 1/4 cup
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Process to Create Your Banh Mi Charcuterie Board

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Bread:
   • Slice mini baguettes into halves or manageable portions, or provide them whole for individual servings.
   • Lightly toast the bread slices in an oven or grill for a crisp texture.
2. Proteins:
   • Grill the lemongrass pork and chicken until fully cooked, then slice into thin strips.
   • Slice the cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage) into thin, round pieces.
   • Arrange the pâté in a small bowl or spread it on select slices of bread for convenience.
3. Pickled Vegetables:
   • Julienne the carrots and daikon.
   • Prepare a pickling brine (1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup water) and soak the vegetables for at least 1 hour. Drain before placing on the board.
4. Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
   • Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds or ribbons.
   • Trim and clean cilantro, mint, or Thai basil.
5. Condiments:
   • Portion mayonnaise, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and Laughing Cow cheese into small bowls for easy access.
6. Toppings:
   • Prepare fried shallots and sesame seeds in separate dishes for sprinkling.

Step 2: Arrange the Board

1. Choose the Base:
   • Use a large wooden or slate board for a rustic and visually appealing presentation.
2. Create Sections:
   • Arrange bread in one section, proteins in another, and pickled vegetables in a separate area.
   • Place condiments in small bowls around the board.
3. Add Fresh Elements:
   • Fill the gaps with fresh cucumbers, herbs, and sliced jalapeños.
4. Enhance Visual Appeal:
   • Add garnishes like fried shallots, sesame seeds, and a small bowl of chili for vibrant color and texture.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Interactive Experience:
   • Encourage guests to create their own Banh Mi by mixing and matching ingredients.
2. Guide Your Guests:
   • Suggest layering bread with mayonnaise, pâté, proteins, pickles, and fresh herbs for an authentic Vietnamese flavor.

The Secret Sauce: Vietnamese Egg Yolk Mayo (Sot Dau Trung)

Ingredients for Sot Dau Trung

• Egg yolks: 2 large yolks, at room temperature.
• Vegetable oil: 200ml (neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works best).
• Lime juice: 1 tablespoon, for tanginess.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the flavors.
• Salt: A pinch, for seasoning.

Process to Make 

1. Prepare the Egg Yolks:
   • Separate the egg yolks from the whites, ensuring no whites are mixed in.
   • Place the yolks in a clean, dry bowl.
2. Start Emulsifying:
   • Whisk the yolks gently and begin adding the oil drop by drop.
   • Continue whisking vigorously to create a stable emulsion.
3. Add the Rest of the Oil:
   • Once the mixture starts to thicken, you can increase the oil to a slow drizzle while whisking constantly.
4. Season the Sauce:
   • Add lime juice, sugar, and salt. Mix well to incorporate.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning for a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
5. Final Texture: The finished Sốt Dầu Trứng should be thick, glossy, and rich.

How to Use Sot Dau Trung on Your Banh Mi Charcuterie Board

• Spread a generous layer on mini baguettes as the base for your Banh Mi.
• Pair it with pâté for a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables or proteins on the board.

How to Eat a Banh Mi Charcuterie Board

– Start with the Bread

• Choose a slice of toasted baguette or a mini baguette from the board.
• The bread serves as the base for your Banh Mi, so make sure it’s crisp on the outside and soft inside.

– Spread the Sauces

• Apply a generous layer of Vietnamese Sot Dau Trung (egg yolk mayo) or pâté onto the bread.
• Add a dollop of hoisin sauce, sriracha, or Laughing Cow cheese for extra flavor.

– Add the Proteins

• Pick your preferred protein: grilled lemongrass pork, chicken, beef, or Vietnamese pork sausage (cha lua).
• Mix and match proteins to explore different flavor combinations.

– Pile on the Vegetables

• Add a mix of pickled carrots and daikon (do chua), cucumber slices, and bean sprouts for crunch and freshness.
• Don’t forget the jalapeños if you enjoy a spicy kick!

– Finish with Fresh Herbs

• Top your creation with cilantro, Thai basil, or mint for a fragrant, herbal note.
• Sprinkle on fried shallots or sesame seeds for added texture.

– Enjoy Every Bite

• Take a bite and savor the harmonious balance of flavors—crisp bread, savory proteins, tangy pickles, and fresh herbs.
• Pair with a refreshing drink like iced Vietnamese coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) or lime soda (Soda Chanh).

Conclusion

The Banh Mi Charcuterie Board is a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, bringing the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine into a fun, shareable format. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or introducing friends to Vietnamese food, this board offers something for everyone. Its vibrant presentation, customizable options, and interactive dining experience make it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

Ready to experience the magic of Vietnamese cuisine in a creative new way? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple process, and impress your guests with a stunning Banh Mi Charcuterie Board. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it with us at VNIFood or tag us on social media. Let’s celebrate the flavors of Vietnam, one board at a time!