Today, we’re diving into the world of Vietnamese cuisine with a recipe that holds a special place in every Vietnamese citizen—Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho. This famous Vietnamese sandwich is the perfect blend of textures and tastes, so if you are a sandwich lover make sure you follow this delicious Vietnamese sandwich recipe.

What is bánh mì

Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese term that translates to “bread” or “wheat cake.” However, it refers to a Vietnamese sandwich made using a French baguette. Bánh Mì is a beautiful fusion of Vietnamese and French culinary influences, resulting from Vietnam’s history of French colonization.

Traditionally, these fillings include marinated meats such as pork, and pâté, fresh vegetables like cucumber and cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon radish, and often a spicy kick from sliced chili. Some versions may also include other ingredients like fried eggs, tofu, or seafood.

Bánh Mì is not only beloved in Vietnam but has gained international popularity due to its unique taste. It’s a quick and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day and is easy to make as well.

Ingredients

• Baguette: A classic French baguette, preferably fresh and crusty.
• Pork or Chicken: Thinly sliced pork/Chicken shoulder or pork belly, marinated with a blend of seasoning.
• Pâté: Smooth and creamy liver pâté, adding a rich depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise to enhance the sandwich’s creaminess.
• Pickled Vegetables: A mix of pickled carrots, daikon radish, and cucumber, adding a tangy crunch.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbal aroma and taste.
• Chili: Sliced fresh chili for a spicy kick, optional based on your heat preference.
• Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce to elevate the pork’s flavor.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar to balance the savory elements.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance the taste.

Recipe Directions

1. Marinate the Pork/Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
2. Prepare the Pickled Vegetables: Julienne carrots, daikon radish, and cucumber. Mix them in a bowl with a bit of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside to pickle for about 30 minutes.
3. Bake the Baguette: Preheat your oven and warm the baguette until it’s crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.
4. Cook the Pork/Chicken: Grill or pan-fry the marinated pork until it’s tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Assemble the Bánh Mì: Cut the baguette into a size suitable for a sandwich. Slice it open, spreading a generous layer of liver pâté and mayonnaise on both sides. Layer the grilled pork/Chicken, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili inside the baguette.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, savoring the burst of flavors and textures in each delightful bite.

Kitchen Equipment

• Grill or Pan: For cooking the marinated pork slices.
• Oven: To warm and crisp the baguette.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating the pork and preparing the pickled vegetables.

Storing Leftovers

Store the components separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate the pork, pickled vegetables, and baguette. When you’re ready to enjoy another round of this sandwich, simply reheat the pork and assemble your Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho anew.

Food and Drink Pairings

Pair your Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho with a refreshing iced Vietnamese coffee to balance the savory notes of the sandwich. but is suitable for any drink you prefer.

Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho

Recipe by MamaCourse: LunchCuisine: VietnameseDifficulty: Moderate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

45

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho, a delicious Vietnamese sandwich boasting a medley of tender grilled pork, tangy pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, all encased in a crisp baguette. Moderate to made, this recipe promises a great flavor of Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Baguette: 4 individual pieces, approximately 8 inches long

• Pork: 1 pound, thinly sliced (shoulder or pork belly)

• Pâté: 1/2 cup

• Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup

• Pickled Vegetables:

• Carrots: 2 medium-sized, julienned

• Daikon Radish: 1 small, julienned

• Cucumber: 1 medium-sized, julienned

• Cilantro: 1 bunch, fresh leaves

• Chili: 1-2 fresh chilies, thinly sliced (optional, adjust to taste)

• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons

• Sugar: 1 tablespoon

• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Directions

• Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
• Prepare the Pickled Vegetables: Julienne the carrots, daikon radish, and cucumber. Mix them in a bowl with a bit of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside to pickle for about 30 minutes.
• Bake the Baguette: Preheat your oven and warm the baguette until it's crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.
• Cook the Pork: Grill or pan-fry the marinated pork until it's tender and slightly caramelized.
• Assemble the Bánh Mì: Cut the baguette into a size suitable for a sandwich. Slice it open, spreading a generous layer of liver pâté and mayonnaise on both sides. Layer the grilled pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili inside the baguette.
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, savoring the burst of flavors and textures in each delightful bite.

Notes

• Marinate the Pork Thoroughly: Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer if possible. This ensures the meat absorbs the flavors and becomes tender.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh baguettes and crisp, vibrant vegetables. Freshness enhances the overall taste and texture of the sandwich.
• Customize Your Pâté and Mayonnaise: Experiment with different types of pâté and mayonnaise to suit your preference. Some may prefer a more robust pâté, while others may like a lighter mayonnaise spread.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the seasoning in the marination and pickling process to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in the sandwich.
• Toast the Baguette: Toasting the baguette enhances its texture, providing a crunchy contrast to the fillings. Aim for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Layer the ingredients evenly and in a thoughtful order. This ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Customize Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add more sliced chilies. For a milder taste, remove the seeds or reduce the amount of chili used.
• Personalize the Pickling: Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio in the pickling liquid to suit your taste—some prefer a tangier bite, while others may like it slightly sweeter.