Bahn Mi Sandwich

The Bahn Mi Sandwich is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and French culinary influences, combining a crusty baguette with savory fillings and fresh, tangy vegetables. This iconic sandwich is known for its balance of flavors—sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy—wrapped up in a satisfying handheld meal.

Filled with marinated protein, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a smear of rich mayo or pâté, it’s a versatile recipe you can customize to your taste. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you crave bold flavors, the Bahn Mi is a true crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Grater or mandoline (for vegetables)
• Frying pan or grill
• Baking sheet (optional, for toasting baguettes)

Ingredients

For the Pickled Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced daikon radish (or substitute regular radish)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Sandwich:

• 4 small baguettes or French rolls
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
• 8 oz protein of choice (grilled chicken, pork, tofu, or shrimp)
• 1/2 cup cucumber slices
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
• 1/2 cup jalapeño slices (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Pickled Vegetables

1. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the shredded carrots and daikon radish. Let them pickle for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for stronger flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Protein

1. Cook your protein of choice (grill, pan-fry, or bake) until done. For added flavor, marinate it beforehand in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice the baguettes lengthwise and lightly toast them in an oven or on a grill for a crisp exterior.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Spread mayonnaise inside each baguette. Mix in soy sauce or sriracha for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
2. Layer the cooked protein, pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro, and jalapeño slices (if using).
3. Close the sandwich and press gently to hold everything together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Expert Tips

• Bread Choice: Use a fresh, crusty baguette for the authentic texture. Avoid overly soft bread.
• Marinate Protein: A quick marinade enhances the flavor of your protein choice.
• Customize Heat: Adjust the level of spice by adding or omitting jalapeños and sriracha.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the pickled vegetables in advance to save time on busy days.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any crusty bread or roll will work, though a traditional baguette is ideal for texture and flavor.

What proteins work best for a Bahn Mi Sandwich?
Grilled chicken, pork, tofu, shrimp, or beef are all great options.

How long can I store the pickled vegetables?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the protein with marinated tofu or tempeh.

What can I use instead of daikon radish?
Regular radishes or thinly sliced cucumbers make excellent substitutes.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For best results, store bread, protein, and vegetables separately and assemble before eating.
• Reheating: Toast the bread lightly in the oven or on a grill before assembling.

Substitutions & Variations

• Bread: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
• Protein: Try grilled mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based twist.
• Sauce: Swap mayo for avocado spread or hummus for a unique flavor.

Bahn Mi Sandwich

The Bahn Mi Sandwich is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and French culinary influences, combining a crusty baguette with savory fillings and fresh, tangy vegetables.

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Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• - Sharp knife
• - Cutting board
• - Grater or mandoline (for vegetables)
• - Frying pan or grill
• - Baking sheet (optional, for toasting baguettes)

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Pickled Vegetables:
• - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• - 1/2 cup thinly sliced daikon radish or substitute regular radish
• - 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• - 1/4 cup water
• - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• #### For the Sandwich:
• - 4 small baguettes or French rolls
• - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• - 1 tbsp soy sauce
• - 1 tsp sriracha optional
• - 8 oz protein of choice grilled chicken, pork, tofu, or shrimp
• - 1/2 cup cucumber slices
• - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
• - 1/2 cup jalapeño slices optional

Instructions

 

• #### Step 1: Make the Pickled Vegetables
• In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
• Add the shredded carrots and daikon radish. Let them pickle for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for stronger flavor.
• #### Step 2: Prepare the Protein
• Cook your protein of choice (grill, pan-fry, or bake) until done. For added flavor, marinate it beforehand in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey.
• #### Step 3: Prepare the Bread
• Slice the baguettes lengthwise and lightly toast them in an oven or on a grill for a crisp exterior.
• #### Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
• Spread mayonnaise inside each baguette. Mix in soy sauce or sriracha for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
• Layer the cooked protein, pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro, and jalapeño slices (if using).
• Close the sandwich and press gently to hold everything together.
• #### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.