Mouth-Watering Banh Mi Thit Hoi An Recipe
Welcome to the tantalizing world of Banh Mi Thit Hoi An, where an airy baguette layered with crispy pork belly, succulent roasted pork, and tangy-sweet pickles will transport you to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. The unique blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that this sandwich offers make it one of my all-time favorites, and I guarantee that you’ll feel the same way once you try it.
The word “Banh Mi” translates to bread, but it’s much more than that. It’s an iconic Vietnamese sandwich that symbolizes the fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. The crusty French baguette is filled with savory meat, pickled veggies, and a variety of condiments such as hoisin sauce and sriracha. From street vendors to five-star restaurants, Banh Mi is ubiquitous on the food scene in Vietnam.
In this recipe, I’ll take you on a culinary adventure to the ancient city of Hoi An – a place renowned for its exquisitely prepared food. Our Banh Mi Thit Hoi An recipe is a classic rendition that showcases the best flavors and ingredients from this region. So come along with me on this gastronomic journey, and let’s get started on making this delicious sandwich!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all food lovers out there! Have you been searching for the perfect sandwich recipe to satisfy your taste buds? Well, look no further than the Vietnamese Pork Sandwich, also known as Banh Mi Thit Hoi. Trust me, once you try this extraordinary sandwich, there will be no going back.
Firstly, let’s talk about the bread. The Banh Mi sandwich is made with a French baguette that’s light and airy, yet still crispy on the outside. This savory bread is warm and toasted to perfection, which enhances the flavors of the fillings inside.
Speaking of fillings, this sandwich is packed with juicy grilled pork or succulent pork belly that’s seasoned with five spices and soy sauce. The meat is then topped with fresh Thai basil, shallots, crunchy English cucumbers and pickled carrots and daikon. The combination of these ingredients creates an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
But wait, there’s more! Add in some umami-rich grilled ham and aromatic garlic cloves to the mix. To top it all off, drizzle some hoisin sauce and Sriracha to amplify the taste of this Banh Mi sandwich.
Not only is this dish deliciously satisfying but it is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by substituting or adding in some of your favorite ingredients such as bbq pork rolls or cha lua (pork sausage).
In conclusion, if you love bold flavors in a crispy baguette filled with rich meat and fresh veggies, then you absolutely must try this traditional Vietnamese Pork Sandwich recipe. Don’t settle for mediocre sandwiches when you could experience the best banh mi in town. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead – take a bite and embrace the magic of Banh Mi Thit Hoian.
Ingredient List
For the Marinaded Pork:
- 1 pound pork shoulder or pork belly, sliced into thin pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- ½ teaspoon of five-spice powder
- A pinch of salt
For Quick Pickled Vegetables:
- 1 small English cucumber, sliced thinly lengthwise
- 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and julienned
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
For the Banh Mi:
- 4 French-style baguettes
- Mayonnaise
- Oyster sauce mixed with a little bit of Sriracha sauce
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh Thai basil leaves
- Thinly sliced red onion
Optional Ingredients:
- Cooked and sliced BBQ pork, cha lua (Vietnamese pork roll), or thinly sliced ham.
Preparing these quick pickled vegetables is not only simple, but they add complexity and crunch to any sandwich. The marinade that we use for the pork creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. Traditional Banh Mi typically feature cilantro, but adding some Thai basil really helps amplify the flavors in the pork.
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to create the best Vietnamese pork sandwich, Banh Mi Thit Hoi An? This recipe has a plethora of flavors and textures, from the succulent pork belly to the fresh crunch of English cucumbers. Follow these steps to make a delicious sandwich in no time.
Ingredients
- 1lb pork belly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- Salt to taste
- Baguette, sliced and toasted
- Mayonnaise, for spreading
- Cucumber, sliced length-wise
- Carrot, julienned
- Thai basil, roughly chopped
- Jalapeno pepper, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Cut pork belly into 3-4 inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, garlic and shallot.
- Add the pork belly pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill or oven on medium-high heat.
- Grill or roast pork for ~20 minutes or until crisp and slightly tender.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- To assemble sandwiches: spread mayonnaise generously onto each half of bread slices. Add roasted/grilled pork belly slices onto one half of bread slices on top of mayo layer then add cucumber slices , julienned carrots over it followed by Thai basil leaves and jalapeno. Place other bread slice over it and press gently.
This Banh Mi Thit Hoi An is perfect for lunch or dinner! Enjoy your creation with family and friends alike.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure to marinate your pork belly overnight for best results.
- If you don’t have access to a grill or oven you can pan-sear your pork instead.
- Use freshly baked baguettes for an authentic flavor.
- Be sure to cut your vegetables into thin slices so they don’t overwhelm the sandwich.
Try out different variations of pork such as BBQ pork, Cha Lua (Vietnamese ham) or thịt nướng (Vietnamese grilled pork) along with different bread options like bánh mì sandwich (traditional banh mi bread) or mi phuong (a pocketless Vietnamese bread).
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Banh Mi Thit Hoi An, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make depending on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few options to try out:
– Meat Substitutions: While roasted pork and pork belly are the traditional choices for this recipe, you can also use grilled chicken, beef, or tofu as a protein alternative.
– Vegetable Additions: If you want to add more veggies to your sandwich, try sliced carrots or daikon radish pickles for an extra crunch. You can also add sliced jalapeño peppers or Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
– Bread Alternatives: If you can’t find a French baguette or Vietnamese baguette, you can use any crispy bread that has a light and airy texture. You can also use a gluten-free or whole wheat baguette if you prefer.
– Sauces and Spices: To mix up the flavors of your Banh Mi sandwich, try experimenting with different sauces such as Hoisin sauce or Sriracha mayo. You can also sprinkle some additional spices such as red pepper flakes or cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
Remember that Banh Mi Thit Hoi An is a versatile dish, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations. As long as you have the basic ingredients in place, you can tweak the recipe to your heart’s content!
Serving and Pairing
Trust me, this Vietnamese pork sandwich recipe is one of the best things you’ve ever eaten. And while it’s certainly a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can take your dining experience to a whole new level.
Firstly, a fresh and zesty cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment to these succulent pork sandwiches. A bowl of sliced English cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper will provide a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Another great side dish option is Vietnamese spring rolls or summer rolls. Stuffed with crisp vegetables, shrimp or grilled pork belly depending on your preference, these rolls offer a different yet equally delicious way of enjoying the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
And let’s not forget about the drinks. When it comes to beverages, a cold beer or iced tea are ideal choices to balance out the savory flavors of the pork and pickled vegetables. For those with a sweet tooth, a glass of ice-cold sugarcane juice would be perfect.
No matter how you pair it, serving up these traditional Banh Mi thit Hoi An sandwiches alongside some tasty sides and refreshing drinks will absolutely delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Have you ever felt like enjoying your banh mi thit hoi an the next day but it just doesn’t seem as fresh as when it was freshly made? No worries, I’ve got you covered.
To make things easier for you, let me share a few tips on how to store and reheat your delicious Vietnamese pork sandwich to ensure that it remains mouth-wateringly fresh for whenever you feel like digging in.
Firstly, If you’re making a lot of sandwiches at once, or looking to make them ahead of time, here’s what to do: Toast the bread before building your sandwich as this will create a barrier that helps keep the bread crispy.
Once assembled, wrap each banh mi sandwich individually with parchment paper tightly enough so that no air gets in (air can easily make the bread soggy), and then tightly wrap everything with aluminum foil. Place them in the fridge and they’ll last for up to 24 hours.
But what if you have leftovers? Fear not! You can store any remaining banh mi’s in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. And, if you want to extend their shelf life further, freeze them for up to two months. Freezing makes the bread slightly chewier than when it’s fresh but it still tastes amazing!
When reheating your banh mi thit hoi an, avoid microwaving it at all costs! This will only kill its texture and crispiness. Instead, preheat your oven to 325°F and place the wrapped or containerized sandwich inside. After 10-15 minutes of baking or until heated through thoroughly, take it out and let it cool before unwrapping.
Follow these tips and you’ll never have to worry about stale or soggy banh mi sandwiches again!
Tips for Perfect Results
For the perfect Vietnamese Pork Sandwich or Banh Mi Thit Hoi An, there are some tips to take note. Paying attention to these tips would elevate your dish and leave your taste buds wanting more.
First, when marinating the pork, it is advisable to let it sit overnight in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better it absorbs the flavor. Adding a dash of five-spice powder and a finely chopped shallot to your marinade would also enhance its flavor.
Secondly, when grilling the pork, it is essential to do so on high heat, ensuring that each side is correctly cooked. Overcooking may leave the pork dry and tough. Grilled pork belly can also be used as a substitute for ham or roast pork.
Thirdly, choose your bread carefully. In Vietnamese cuisine, airy baguettes are used as they have a light and fluffy interior with a crispy crust. Always ensure that you pick fresh bread and fill to capacity with juicy ingredients.
Fourthly, for an additional burst of flavor, add some Thai basil to your sandwich instead of regular basil. English cucumbers can also be used instead of regular cucumbers; they are less bitter and have thinner skin.
Fifthly, when adding sauces such as hoisin sauce sriracha or soy sauce, less is more as they tend to overpower the other flavors in the sandwich. A tablespoon of each per sandwich is ideal.
Sixthly, if you prefer a vegetarian option of this recipe item, grilled tofu or mushrooms can also be used instead of meat.
Lastly, when cutting the sandwich in half, cut at an angle rather than straight across. This presents an aesthetically pleasing view while also preventing fillings from falling out.
Taking note of these tips would make all the difference in achieving that traditional Banh Mi Thit Hoi An flavor while also having tons of fun making it!
FAQ
Before we conclude this article, let’s take some time to answer some frequently asked questions about making the banh mi thit hoi an recipe. These will help address any concerns or doubts you may have and ensure that your cooking experience is as smooth as the bread of the French baguette. So, let’s dive into the most common questions people ask when making this traditional Vietnamese pork sandwich.
What meat is best for banh mi?
Banh mi, a popular Vietnamese sandwich, originally consisted of a French baguette filled with a range of savory Asian flavors. The most common fillings were pork, chicken, and pate. In more recent times, the choice of fillings has expanded to include beef and other meats. This beloved sandwich has become a staple not only in Vietnam but around the world.
What does a traditional banh mi contain?
The Banh Mi sandwich has a diverse heritage, blending both French and Vietnamese elements. Typically sold on the streets of Saigon, it is made up of a light baguette filled with a variety of protein options, such as minced pork, pate, or sardines. The sandwich is also accompanied by pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, spicy chili, and cucumber for a range of flavors and textures.
What is a traditional banh mi sandwich?
Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich originating from Saigon, features a crispy, airy baguette stuffed with savory meats, mayo, a smear of liver pate for richness, pickled vegetables, refreshing cucumbers, spicy chilies, and fragrant herbs. This sandwich is a delicious blend of fresh, light, spicy, and umami flavors.
What is banh mi sauce made of?
When it comes to preparing the sauce for this savory dish, it couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is combine some mayo with hoisin sauce, sriracha, and salt and pepper. An alternative option is to swap out the hoisin sauce for Maggi seasoning. This product is a well-known flavor enhancer used in many stir-fry’s, soups, and sauces. You can purchase it at an international foods market or from online retailers like Amazon. So, whether you go with the classic sauce or decide to spice things up with some Maggi, your dish is sure to be a hit.
Bottom Line
When it comes to the Banh Mi Thit Hoi An recipe, there’s no shortage of reasons why you should give it a try. From its irresistible flavors and textures to its ease of customization and impressive versatility, this Vietnamese pork sandwich has earned its place as a beloved favorite across the globe.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply satisfy your own cravings, the Banh Mi Thit Hoi An recipe is a winning choice. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions, and get ready to experience the best of Vietnamese cuisine in your own kitchen.
Trust me, once you’ve tasted the rich, savory flavors of this beloved sandwich recipe you’ll never look back. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Banh Mi Thit Hoi an (Vietnamese Pork Sandwich) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup shallot
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 12 ounces ground lean pork
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 (8 ounce) French baguettes
- 2 tablespoons red chili paste
- 8 ounces pork loin or 8 ounces ham, thinly sliced
- 2 cups English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 cups mixed salad greens, rinsed and crisped
- 1/2 cup Thai basil, rinsed and cut into 1 inch pieces
Fried Shallots (Hahn Phi)
- 1 cup shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat, stir five spice powder until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in oil, shallots and garlic. Add ground pork and stir often, breaking apart with spoon, until meat is crumbly and no longer pink, about 15 minute.
- Fried Shallots: In another frying pan, stirfry 1 cup shallots and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until crisp and golden, 6-10 minute Remove from pan and rest on absorbent paper.
- Add soy sauce, sugar and salt to ground pork. Stir well and cook for two minutes.
- Cut baguettes in half crosswise, then split lengthwise almost all the way through the loaf, leaving halves attached at one side.
- Spread 1 tsp chili paste on bottom cut side of each baguette.
- Spoon about 1/6 of the warm ground pork mixture, including juices, over chili paste. Tuck 1/6 of the pork slices evenly into each sandwich. Cover with 1/2 cup salad greens and 1/6 of the basil leaves. Top with thin layer of cucumber slices.
- Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and chill for lunches, picnics, etc.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.