Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, is a delicious combination of savory ingredients like meats, vegetables, and condiments in a French baguette. Here's a basic recipe to make a traditional Banh Mi:
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
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Baguette - 1 small loaf, traditionally a French baguette.
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Protein - Cooked and sliced meats like pork, chicken, pâté, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Pickled Vegetables - Carrots and daikon radish, julienned and pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
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Cucumber - Thinly sliced.
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Fresh Herbs - Typically cilantro (coriander leaves).
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Jalapeños - Thinly sliced (optional for extra heat).
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Mayonnaise - Traditional or with a twist of garlic or sriracha.
For the Pickled Vegetables:
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Carrots and Daikon Radish - Julienned.
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Vinegar - White or apple cider vinegar.
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Sugar.
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Salt.
Instructions
Pickled Vegetables:
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Prepare the Pickle: In a bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, and salt with warm water until dissolved.
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Pickle the Vegetables: Add julienned carrots and daikon radish. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Banh Mi Assembly:
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Prepare the Baguette: Slice the baguette lengthwise, but not all the way through, so it opens like a book.
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Spread Mayonnaise: Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on both sides of the baguette.
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Layer the Protein: Place your choice of cooked meats, pâté, or tofu on the bottom half of the baguette.
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Add Pickled Vegetables: Squeeze the excess liquid from the pickled carrots and daikon and place them on top of the meat.
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Add Fresh Ingredients: Add slices of cucumber, jalapeños (if using), and fresh cilantro leaves.
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Close and Serve: Gently press the sandwich together and slice into individual portions.
Enjoy your Banh Mi! This sandwich is all about the balance of flavors and textures, from the crusty bread to the tangy pickled vegetables and the rich, savory fillings. Feel free to experiment with different types of meats, sauces, and pickles to create your own unique version.
