Bánh mì
This bánh mì is a perfect balance of crisp bread, rich pâté, savoury pork belly, cool cucumber, and sharp quick pickles. Fresh coriander and chilli bring brightness and heat, making each bite crunchy, juicy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Đồ chua
- 80 gdaikon, julienned
- 80 gcarrot, julienned
- 60 mlrice vinegar
- 60 mlwater
- 12 gsugar
- 2 gsalt
Nhân bánh
- 160 gVietnamese baguettes or 1 small baguette, split into 2 portions
- 120 groast pork belly, thinly sliced
- 50 gpork liver pâté
- 30 gmayonnaise
- 80 gcucumber, cut into thin batons
- 10 gfresh coriander
- 8 gred chilli, thinly sliced
- 10 mllight soy sauce
- 6 mlMaggi seasoning or light soy sauce
Instructions
- 1
Make the quick pickles: in a small bowl, stir the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Add the daikon and carrot, toss well, and let them sit while you prepare the rest; even 10 minutes gives a bright, crunchy pickle.
- 2
Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced roast pork belly and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once, just until heated through and lightly browned at the edges. Splash in the light soy sauce at the end and toss briefly so the meat is glossy but not salty-wet.
- 3
Split the baguettes if needed and toast them briefly in a hot oven, air fryer, or dry pan for 2-3 minutes until the crust is crisp and the inside is warm. A crisp shell with a still-soft interior is ideal for an authentic texture.
- 4
Spread the cut sides of the warm bread with the pork liver pâté and mayonnaise. Season lightly with the Maggi seasoning or a few drops of soy sauce so the bread is savoury but not soggy.
- 5
Drain the quick pickles well. Fill each baguette with the warm pork belly, cucumber batons, pickled daikon and carrot, coriander, and sliced chilli. Pack the filling in firmly so every bite gets a little of everything.
- 6
Serve immediately while the bread is still crisp and the pork is warm. If desired, cut each sandwich in half for easier eating.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •For a true 15-minute beginner version, use good-quality cooked roast pork belly from the deli or leftovers rather than starting from raw pork.
- •If Vietnamese baguettes are unavailable, choose the lightest-crusted baguette you can find; overly dense bread makes the sandwich less authentic.
- •Adjust the chilli to taste. Traditional bánh mì often has a noticeable heat, but it should not overpower the herbs and pickles.
- •A few drops of Maggi seasoning add a classic street-stall flavour, but light soy sauce works if that is what you have.
Background
Bánh mì developed in Vietnam during the French colonial period, when baguettes and pâté were adapted to local tastes and ingredients. Over time, Vietnamese cooks transformed the sandwich with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, chillies, and savoury meats into a distinct national staple. Today it is one of Vietnam’s most iconic street foods.
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