Banh mi sandwich

banh_mi_sandwich

Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has taken the culinary world by storm. It’s a deliciously complex and layered sandwich that is packed with vibrant flavors and textures. The origins of banh mi can be traced back to the French colonial period in Vietnam, where French baguettes were stuffed with pâté, vegetables, and other local ingredients to make a filling and hearty meal.

The banh mi sandwich consists of a baguette that is crispy on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside. It is then filled with a variety of fillings that can range from savory meats to crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs. The sandwich is a perfect mix of sweet, sour, savory, and spicy flavors that all work together harmoniously.

One of the key components of the banh mi sandwich is the pickled vegetables. The pickling process not only adds a tangy flavor to the vegetables, but it also helps to preserve them. The vegetables used in banh mi can vary, but typically include carrots, daikon, and cucumber. These vegetables are julienned or sliced thin and then pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Another important element of the banh mi sandwich is the protein. Traditionally, the protein used in banh mi is pork, and there are several different variations of the pork filling. These can range from sliced pork belly to Vietnamese-style meatballs (sausage). However, there are many other protein options that can be used in banh mi, such as grilled chicken or tofu.

To add even more flavor to the sandwich, a variety of sauces and spreads are often used. The most commonly used spread is pâté, which is a type of meat paste that is typically made from pork liver. Along with pâté, other spreads such as mayonnaise or chili sauce can be used to add extra creaminess, spice, or tang to the sandwich.

Lastly, fresh herbs such as coriander (cilantro) and Vietnamese mint are added to the sandwich to give it a burst of freshness and flavor. These herbs add a unique, bright flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich.

Overall, the banh mi sandwich is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste preferences. Whether you prefer a meat-filled sandwich or a vegetarian option, the banh mi sandwich is sure to satisfy. With its complex flavors and textures, it’s no wonder that banh mi has become one of the most popular sandwiches in the world.

Ingredients:

  • 1 French baguette
  • 1/4 pound pork belly
  • 1/4 pound pork pâté
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup daikon radish, julienned
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint
  • 1 tablespoon chopped basil
  • 1/2 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
  • Jalapeño peppers, sliced (optional)
  • Cucumber, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the pork belly on a baking sheet and bake it for 20-25 minutes until it’s crispy.

  2. In a mixing bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon of honey. Add the pork belly to the sauce and set it aside.

  3. In another mixing bowl, combine the julienned carrot and daikon radish. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to make pickled vegetables.

  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cilantro, mint, basil, and red chili flakes to make a herb mixture.

  5. In a small mixing bowl, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, and lime juice to make a sauce.

  6. Cut the French baguette into three equal sections, and then slice each section open lengthwise. Spread the sauce over the bread’s insides.

  7. Place the pork pâté on one side of the bread, followed by the pickled vegetables, then the pork belly, the herb mixture, jalapeño slices, and the cucumber slices (if using).

  8. Close the sandwich and enjoy!