Learn how to make authentic Vietnamese Pork Banh Mi sandwiches and how you can recreate one right at home.

Banh Mi sandwiches are a popular dish exported from Vietnam. It is a flavor packed sandwich that encompasses a chewy bread that is sliced and stuffed with layers of flavors and textures. There's a layer of sweet and salty due to the pickled vegetables, another layer of hearty meat to make your stomach full, and there's the layer of pate and mayonnaise to add to that heartiness, with another layer of the cilantro and jalapeno to just make every bite count.

If you haven't had the luck to trying a Vietnamese sandwich, you are in luck because I'm going to show you how to make this delicious sandwich. Vietnamese Banh Mi does have a lot of ingredients that you'll need to prepare for in advance. While it is an easy sandwich to put together, it does take a lot of cooking prep to get all the ingredients ready to put together a delicious sandwich.

Before I share my recipe for a delicious Vietnamese Pork Banh Mi, I did want to talk a little bit about the history of Banh Mi and were it originated.

All About Vietnamese Banh Mi

Vietnamese Banh Mi can be describe as a very simple, but delicious sandwich that packs a ton of flavor in the various layers.

What does Vietnamese Banh Mi taste like?

Vietnamese Banh Mi has layers of flavorful hearty meat that is mixed with crispy and juicy pickled vegetables in a soft, baguette bread.

In each bite, you'll find spicy, salty, savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors that are so delicious, keeping you savoring for more. 

What are other names for Vietnamese Banh Mi?

Vietnamese Banh Mi can often be found by other names in recipes or other menus including:

• Vietnamese sandwich
• Vietnamese Banh Mi
• Banh Mi Sandwich
• Saigon Sandwich
• French-Vietnamese sandwich
• Vietnamese po' boy

How do you pronounce Banh Mi?

Bánh in Vietnamese refers to baked goods, including bread and is pronounced "bawn". and Mì in Vietnamese refers to wheat and is pronounced "me". 

Where did Banh Mi originate from?

Banh Mi originates from Vietnam. The sandwich has influence from the French due to the use of the baguette and pate.

How to order Banh Mi in a restaurant?

In most western Vietnamese restaurants, banh mi may or may not be on the menu. There may often be a secret menu, just ask! Generally, most Vietnamese restaurants will have a single version unless it specializes in banh mi sandwiches. The meat can generally vary, which can include pork, beef, and even chicken.

Asian Grocery Store List for Banh Mi

Daikon

You'll need to get daikon to make the pickled do chua. When choosing daikon, choose those that are smooth, evenly shaped, firm and have unblemished skin that are about 2 inch in diameter as these will have both have a milder bite and a subtle layer of sweetness. Thicker daikon radish can be too bitter, and really young daikon that are an inch think generally have no flavor.

Vietnamese Baguette

Vietnamese baguettes versus French baguettes are different. The Vietnamese baguette used in Banh Mi sandwiches are generally less "chewy" than the French baguette. These can generally be found in the front aisles near the fresh snacks by the checkout areas.

Roast Red Pork Seasoning Packet

There are several varieties of these, but make sure you grab one in order to make the hearty pork for pork banh mi.

Pate

Read all about the pate used inside of Vietnamese Banh Mi. You could make your own just as easy, but I prefer buying the pre-made pate. This is the kind I usually purchase:

Vietnamese Ham Rolls

Vietnamese Ham Rolls are really easy to find. Make sure you thaw them out if you get them in the frozen aisle. It's normally labeled Gio Lua or Cha Lua.

Tips and Tricks Before Making Banh Mi

My biggest tip for making Banh Mi is to prepare the following things at least a day ahead of time. I've linked to the recipes below so you can get a head start!

• Roast Red Pork Marinade
• Daikon and Carrots, Pickled

Also, make sure you thaw the Vietnamese Ham Rolls a day in advance.

How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Recipe

Ingredients for a Single Vietnamese Banh Mi

• Vietnamese or French baguette
• 1 teaspoon of Pork Liver Pate
• 2 teaspoon of Mayonnaise
• roasted red pork, cooked and sliced
• Vietnamese ham roll, thawed and sliced
• cucumber, sliced
• cilantro, chopped into 4 inch sections
• pickled carrots and daikon, drained
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)

Instructions for Making Banh Mi Authentic

1. Slice the bread length ways.
2. On one side, use a butter knife to smooth the pork liver pate and mayonnaise.
3. Layer on the roasted red pork followed by the slices of Vietnamese ham roll.
4. Next, layer in cucumber, cilantro, carrots and daikon, and jalapeno.
5. Close the sandwich and serve.

Preserving Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches

Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches when prepared can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Generally, it's best eaten on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Banh Mi

What are substitute ingredients to make Banh Mi a healthier sandwich?

To increase the health factor of Vietnamese banh mi, you can substitute low fast mayonnaise and go without the pate. In addition, you could also remove a few layers of the meat layers to remove some protein. If you wanted to go one step further, you could substitute a wheat sub roll (but I think that's taking it way too far from the original recipe). 

What can I substitute in place of pate in Vietnamese Banh Mi?

There is not a comparable substitute for Vietnamese banh mi. The best you could do is leave the pate out or substitute it with additional mayonnaise.

Why is Vietnamese banh mi so popular?

Banh Mi is an inexpensive meal that is both flavorful and hearty which speaks to its popularity. It is popular because it from all perceptions seems to be a very simple sandwich, but surprises those who haven't had the opportunity to try it due to all of its textures and flavors.

What bread is used in Vietnamese Banh Mi?

Vietnamese baguettes are generally used in Vietnamese Banh Mi. You may also find that banh mi can be made from French baguettes. Vietnamese baguettes are generally softer, with a thin crust and spongy interior with a slightly sweeter flavor.

Summary About Vietnamese Banh Mi Recipe

Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches may be complex in it's flavor profile, but is not complex to make. With the right preparation and recipe, you'll be able to recreate this authentic traditional recipe for Vietnamese banh mi easily at home.

Other Banh Mi Ingredient Recipes from Vietnam You Might Like

Here are some additional authentic and delicious Vietnamese recipes that you will love:

• Pickled Carrots and Daikon for Banh Mi - Do Chua
• Red Roast Pork for Banh Mi
• Vietnamese Pate for Banh Mi
• Grilled Lemongrass Pork - Authentic Vietnamese Thit Nuong

Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches

Yield: 3

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich full of complex flavors.

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Ingredients

• Vietnamese or French baguette
• 1 teaspoon of Pork Liver Pate
• 2 teaspoon of Mayonnaise
• roasted red pork, cooked and sliced
• Vietnamese ham roll, thawed and sliced
• cucumber, sliced
• cilantro, chopped into 4 inch sections
• pickled carrots and daikon, drained
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Slice the bread length ways.
2. On one side, use a butter knife to smooth the pork liver pate and mayonnaise.
3. Layer on the roasted red pork followed by the slices of Vietnamese ham roll.
4. Next, layer in cucumber, cilantro, carrots and daikon, and jalapeno.
5. Close the sandwich and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 536Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1258mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 6gSugar: 10gProtein: 33g