The Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich is a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures, blending French colonial influence with the bold, fresh ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine. Crisp baguette, savory marinated beef, tangy pickled vegetables, and spicy mayo-sriracha spread all come together to create a sandwich that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as street food-style comfort, this Banh Mi delivers on every level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines savory, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in one satisfying bite
- Features a crunchy baguette with soft, juicy fillings and crisp vegetables
- Easy to customize with different proteins or tofu for a vegetarian option
- Simple pickling method adds vibrant texture and brightness
- Quick to prepare with minimal cooking required
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the sandwich:
- Baguette (or 2 mini baguettes), lightly toasted
- Grilled beef (or pork, chicken, or tofu), thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
For the pickled vegetables:
- Shredded carrots
- Julienned daikon radish
- White vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
For the spread:
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add shredded carrots and julienned daikon radish. Let pickle in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce to create the spread. Set aside.
- Lightly toast the baguette until golden and crisp, then slice it open lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Spread the spicy mayo mixture generously on both sides of the bread.
- Layer in the thinly sliced grilled beef, drained pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices if using.
- Gently press the sandwich together and serve immediately while the baguette is still warm and crisp.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Pickle Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 480 kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian Banh Mi: Use grilled tofu or tempeh as the protein and ensure the spread is egg-free
- Chicken Banh Mi: Substitute beef with marinated grilled chicken breast or thigh
- Pork Banh Mi: Try Vietnamese-style grilled pork (thịt nướng) for a traditional twist
- Extra Spicy: Add extra sriracha to the spread or include more jalapeño slices
- Egg Banh Mi: Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast-style sandwich
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Best assembled fresh, but you can store individual components separately:
- Pickled vegetables: Keep in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to 1 week
- Grilled meat: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Spread: Refrigerate for up to 5 days
Reheating:
- Reheat the meat briefly in a skillet or microwave before assembling
- Toast the baguette again before building the sandwich to restore crispness
FAQs
What kind of bread is best for banh mi?
A light, crusty baguette with a tender interior is ideal. Avoid overly dense or chewy loaves.
Can I make the pickled vegetables in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them several days ahead. They actually taste better the longer they sit.
Is the sandwich traditionally served hot or cold?
Banh mi is typically served warm or at room temperature, with the bread toasted and meat freshly grilled.
What cut of beef is best for banh mi?
Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak, grilled or pan-seared, works best for flavor and tenderness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free baguette and soy sauce substitutes such as tamari.
Is Banh Mi healthy?
It can be a balanced meal with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and minimal added sugar if portioned reasonably.
What does daikon radish taste like?
Daikon is mild and slightly sweet when pickled, adding crunch and freshness to the sandwich.
What sauce is used in banh mi?
Traditionally, a mix of mayonnaise and seasonings or pâté is used. This version uses a spicy mayo-sriracha blend.
Can I use store-bought pickled vegetables?
Yes, but homemade ones offer fresher taste and texture. Pickling is also quick and simple.
What sides go well with banh mi?
Serve with a light cucumber salad, fresh fruit, or crispy spring rolls for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Banh Mi sandwich is a testament to the power of culinary fusion—bringing together the rich, layered traditions of Vietnamese and French cuisine into one iconic bite. Bursting with flavor, texture, and freshness, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a weekend treat, or a make-ahead picnic meal. Once you try it, this bold and balanced sandwich is sure to become a regular on your menu.
Print
Banh Mi Sandwich
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
This Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich is a flavor-packed fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. Featuring a crispy baguette loaded with marinated grilled beef, tangy pickled vegetables, spicy mayo-sriracha spread, and fresh herbs, it’s the ultimate crunchy, creamy, savory sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
-
1 baguette (or 2 mini baguettes), lightly toasted
-
1/2 lb grilled beef (or pork, chicken, or tofu), thinly sliced
-
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
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1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
-
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Pickled Vegetables:
-
1/2 cup shredded carrots
-
1/2 cup julienned daikon radish
-
1/2 cup white vinegar
-
1/2 cup water
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Spread:
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
1 teaspoon sriracha (or more to taste)
-
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
-
In a bowl, mix vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add carrots and daikon, stir, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to pickle.
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In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce to make the spread.
-
Lightly toast the baguette and slice it open lengthwise.
-
Spread the spicy mayo on both inner sides of the baguette.
-
Layer grilled beef, drained pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
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Press gently, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
-
Swap beef for tofu or grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
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Pickled veggies can be made ahead and stored for up to a week.
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Customize spice level with more or less sriracha.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, French Fusion
