Bánh Mì Thịt
Classic Vietnamese Pork Sandwich
The quintessential Vietnamese Bánh Mì, featuring a harmonious blend of savory assorted pork, rich pâté, crisp pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, all nestled within a perfectly toasted baguette. This recipe focuses on assembling the classic version without cooking additional meats, assuming pre-cooked components are used.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Baguettes(Look for fresh, crusty Vietnamese-style baguettes if possible. If not, a good quality French baguette will work.)
- 200 g Cha lua (Vietnamese pork roll)(This is a common Vietnamese deli meat. It's usually found in Asian markets. Slice thinly.)
- 100 g Pâté(Pork liver pâté is traditional. A smooth, good quality pâté is recommended.)
- 1 cup Pickled vegetables (Do Chua)(A mix of shredded daikon radish and carrots, pickled in a sweet and sour brine. You can buy this pre-made at Asian markets or make your own.)
- 4 tablespoons Mayonnaise(Regular mayonnaise or Kewpie mayonnaise for a richer flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro sprigs(Washed and dried.)
- 1-2 small Fresh jalapeño slices(Thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat if desired. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or Maggi seasoning(Optional, for drizzling over the meats.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the baguettes: Slice each baguette lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a hinge. If the baguettes are not fresh, you can lightly toast them in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes until they are warm and slightly crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Spread the inside of each baguette generously with mayonnaise. Then, spread a layer of pâté over the mayonnaise on one side of the baguette. Ensure even coverage.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Layer the fillings: Arrange the thinly sliced cha lua on top of the pâté. Follow with a generous layer of the pickled vegetables (do chua), draining any excess liquid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add the aromatics and seasoning: Tuck in fresh cilantro sprigs and arrange jalapeño slices to your liking. If desired, drizzle a small amount of soy sauce or Maggi seasoning over the fillings for an extra savory kick.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Close and serve: Gently close the baguette. The sandwich is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm bread, cool fillings, and crisp vegetables.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The baguette is crucial! A light, airy interior with a crisp crust is ideal. Avoid dense bread.
- ✓Achieve a balance of flavors and textures: the richness of the pâté and mayo, the savory pork, the tangy-sweet pickles, and the fresh herbs and spice.
- ✓This is a classic Vietnamese street food. Enjoy it as a quick, satisfying meal.
- ✓Ensure pickled vegetables are well-drained to prevent a soggy sandwich.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add grilled marinated pork (thịt nướng) for a heartier sandwich.
- Incorporate Vietnamese meatballs (xíu mại) for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Include other deli meats like Vietnamese ham or thinly sliced roasted pork belly.