Savor the Flavors: Italian Sausage Banh Mi Recipe
Hungry, fellow gastronomes? Buckle up and get ready to take a journey through the tastiest sandwich inspired by the delightful Vietnamese banh mi. But hold your horses, because we’re going to put an Italian twist on this classic sub sandwich! Oh yes, amigos, I’m talking about the drool-worthy Italian Sausage Banh Mi!
Now, let me tell you why this recipe is a must-try. First off, what’s not to love about sausage? It’s juicy, flavorful and tender. And when you add sweet, spicy, nutty and fresh goodies like pickled carrots & daikons, cilantro cucumber, baby arugula and fresh basil on top of that sausage, in between an airy baguette…well now, let’s just say you’re in for a treat.
What makes this recipe so special is that it blends two delicious cuisines together to create something new and exciting. You get all the comfort of the Italian sausage mixed with the exotic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine – it’s like traveling to two countries at once through just one bite!
So if you want to wow your taste buds with a unique sub sandwich recipe that’s both fulfilling and exciting, let us guide you step by step towards mastering the Italian Sausage Banh Mi. This tangy twist on classic banh mi sub will leave you with a refreshing satisfaction that only comes from unexpected flavor combinations. Get ready to join me on this culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, food enthusiasts! If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a journey to Southeast Asia, then keep reading. This Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwich is the ultimate Vietnamese fusion dish, and I guarantee it will be a game-changer for your lunch or dinner routine.
Not only is this sandwich recipe packed with flavor and texture, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, so even novice cooks can try their hand at making it. What sets this sandwich apart from other Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches are the juicy and boldly seasoned Italian sausages which are nestled in between crispy baby arugula and reduced-fat Swiss cheese slices.
But that’s not all; we’ve given our traditional Banh Mi toppings an Italian twist with sweet onions and bell peppers. And who can forget about the pickled carrots and fresh cilantro-cucumber mixture that adds the perfect sweet-spicy-nutty-fresh layer of flavors to the already satiating sandwich?
If you’re looking for something different than your typical cold cut or roasted pork sandwiches, then this Italian Sausage Banh Mi recipe is the way to go. The Best Foods Mayonnaise, hot chili sauce, and Sriracha sauce top off the sandwich to perfection and elevates it to an ultimate Vietnamese sub-sandwich delight.
Trust me – once you experience the fresh, refreshing, and satisfying blast of flavors in your mouth after taking a bite of this sausage Banh Mi sandwich, you’ll forget about every other sub-sandwich you’ve ever had before. Try it out for yourself and see why this recipe should be a part of your regular rotation in the kitchen!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouth-watering Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwich:
For the Pickled Carrots and Daikon
- 1 tsp fresh garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp white or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup daikon, julienned
For the Chili Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Best Foods Mayonnaise or any brand you prefer to use
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 – 2 tsp hot chili sauce (I used Sriracha)
- Juice of half a lime
For the Sandwich Ingredients:
- Four 8-inch sections of French baguette
- ½ cup baby arugula leaves
- 1 bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 sweet onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 links Italian sausage (sweet or hot), uncooked
- Reduced-fat Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cilantro sprigs
- Lime wedges
Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before starting with this recipe to ensure that you can cook the ultimate Vietnamese sub sandwich.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Sausages
To start these Italian Sausage Banh Mi, prepare four uncooked sweet and hot Italian sausages by slightly poking them with a fork. Do not overdo the piercing as one broken wire is enough to damage your frying pan or griddle. Cook the sausages using a non-stick pan or grill until nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked on the inside, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Slice and Cook Bell Pepper and Onion
While cooking the sausages, slice half of a sweet onion and half of a green bell pepper into thin strips. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil onto another pan or griddle, then heat over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers to the pan, season with salt and black pepper, then continually stir for up to five minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Prep Pickled Carrots
In Vietnam, pickled daikon is a standard ingredient for Banh Mi, but I love using pickled carrots instead. To achieve this, peel one medium-sized carrot, slice it into thin rounds, then place it a bowl. In a small saucepan over high heat, dissolve two tablespoons of sugar in three tablespoons of rice vinegar. Add one crushed fresh garlic clove to the mixture while stirring frequently. Remove from heat once sugar has dissolved completely, then pour it over the sliced carrots. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Make Best Foods Mayonnaise Dressing
Make your creamy Best Foods Mayonnaise dressing by mixing two tablespoons of mayonnaise with half a tablespoon of hot chili sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of chili sauce depending on how spicy you want the sandwich.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwich
Now that all ingredients are ready let’s assemble this delicious sandwich! Slice four French baguettes into 8-inch portions and spread two tablespoons of mayonnaise inside each bread roll. Place four pieces of sausage on top of each bottom part, together with some caramelized onions and peppers. Then top with baby arugula leaves; these will add some bitter crunch to this spicy nutty-fresh banh mi sandwich recipe.
Add some reduced-fat Swiss cheese on top along with some pickled carrots, fresh basil leaves and cilantro sprigs that are lightly torn apart for more flavor release. Drizzle some sweet-sour-spicy sauce like Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce before topping your bun with other half-baguette.
Serve your Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwich warm and crispy – satisfying both your taste buds’ craving for something refreshing and filling at once!
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up, folks! If you are feeling like an adventurous cook today, you might want to consider some alternatives and adapt your sausage banh mi recipe. How about some tofu? Yes, that’s right, get ready to be fooled by this plant-based ingredient that can mimic the texture of meat so well that even carnivores won’t notice the difference. Another option is to swap out the Italian sausage for Vietnamese chicken sausage or any other pork sausage you fancy.
And if you are curious about exploring true Vietnamese cuisine, then go for meatball banh mi instead of Italian sausage. Or how about roasted pork or cold cuts for a more traditional taste? But if you want a healthier version of this delectable sandwich, try swapping out the reduced-fat Swiss cheese for a vegan alternative or skipping it altogether.
For some folks, spicy is just not their thing, and we understand that. So, rather than opting for hot chili sauce, why not try a sweet and spicy nutty sauce? And if cucumber pickled carrots don’t tickle your taste buds, give cilantro-spicy pickled daikon a try.
Now don’t get stuck in one way of doing things. The world is your oyster here! Experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect match – or just stick to what you know and trust. After all, there’s no wrong way to create a delicious meal as long as it satisfies those hunger pangs in the end.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, nothing beats sinking my teeth into a freshly made Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwich! But the fun doesn’t stop there – this sandwich can be paired with a variety of drinks and sides to take your taste buds on a wild ride.
For the ultimate Vietnamese experience, try serving your sandwich with an iced coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the sausage and pickled vegetables pair perfectly with the bitter sweetness of the coffee or refreshing notes in tea. Trust me, it’s the perfect balance.
If you’re feeling adventurous or experimental, a spicy bloody mary does wonders. The hot chili sauce in the sandwich complements the slightly tangy tomato juice, while the reduced-fat Swiss cheese adds a savory note to make it all come together.
As for sides, you can’t go wrong with French fries or kettle chips. The crispy texture of the fries complements the soft Vietnamese baguette while providing a satisfying crunch. If you prefer something on the healthier side, baby arugula and sweet onion salad would do wonders. The fresh herbaceous notes in fresh basil provide something different against the hearty sausage, without taking away from any of its boldness.
Ultimately, this sandwich is versatile enough to pair with almost any drink or side dish. So let yourself be creative!
Not only is this recipe incredibly satisfying but it’s also easy to pair making it perfect for hosting friends and family alike. Just try it out; trust me, everyone will love it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve mastered this delicious Italian Sausage Banh Mi, you might be wondering if it’s possible to make it ahead and store it. Fear not, dear reader! This recipe is perfect for making ahead, storing, and reheating for your next meal.
To make the sandwich ahead of time, simply prepare all of the ingredients as directed in the recipe. You can cook the sausage and pickle the vegetables in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the sandwich just before serving.
If you have leftovers or want to store the sandwich for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sandwich in a 350°F oven (or toaster oven) for about ten minutes until heated through.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can also make a big batch of pickled vegetables and store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. That way, you can use them for other meals like salads or tacos.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on-the-go, you can also prep the ingredients and take them with you. Just keep everything separate until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich.
Overall, this Italian Sausage Banh Mi is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal that doesn’t require much effort to store and reheat. So go ahead and make a big batch – whether it’s for dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow, this recipe will not disappoint.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect Italian Sausage Banh Mi, there are a few key tips that can make all the difference. It may seem like a simple sandwich, but with the right techniques and ingredients, you can take your Banh Mi to the next level. Here are some of my top tips for ensuring that your sandwich turns out perfectly every time.
First and foremost, be sure to use the freshest ingredients possible. This means opting for fresh garlic cloves, basil, and baby arugula whenever possible. The flavors in this sandwich are bright and bold, and using fresh ingredients will ensure they shine through.
Another tip is to not skimp on the hot chili sauce and Best Foods Mayonnaise. These two condiments may seem small, but they add a ton of flavor and depth to the sandwich. If you’re worried about it being too spicy, you can always adjust the amount of hot chili sauce to suit your tastes.
When it comes to assembling the sandwich, be sure to layer everything evenly so that each bite has a mix of flavors and textures. Start with the reduced-fat Swiss cheese on one side of the airy baguette, followed by a layer of sausage, bell pepper, and sweet onion. Top this with pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, spicy nutty sauce (made with sriracha), cucumber slices – or anything else that takes your fancy – then add baby arugula leaves.
One final tip is to be sure to let the assembled sandwich sit for a few minutes before digging in. This will allow all of the flavors to meld together and make for an even more satisfying meal.
With these tips in mind, there’s no doubt that you’ll be whipping up delicious Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwiches in no time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to item (9) FAQ of our Italian Sausage Banh Mi recipe. As any culinary masterpiece, this banh mi recipe can come with its own set of doubts and misconceptions. Fear not, I’m here to answer all your questions and clear up any confusions so that you can enjoy the ultimate Vietnamese sandwich experience without any hesitations or concerns. Keep reading to find out more!
What is a traditional banh mi sandwich?
Banh Mi is a delicious sandwich that hails from Saigon, Vietnam. It’s made with a crusty baguette and filled with a variety of savory meats, creamy mayo, smooth liver pate, tangy pickled vegetables, crisp cucumbers, spicy chilies, and refreshing herbs. This sandwich is a perfect balance of fresh, light, spicy, and savory flavors.
What is banh mi sauce made of?
Creating a delectable sauce for your dish is a breeze. Begin by blending together the following ingredients: mayo, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and a combination of salt and pepper for a punchy taste. If preferred, you may opt to replace the original sauce with Maggi seasoning, a well-known flavor enhancer used in a wide array of sauces, stir-fry’s, and soups. Maggi seasoning can be effortlessly sourced from international food markets or online retailers such as Amazon. Keep this versatile ingredient in your pantry for future culinary creations.
What are Vietnamese sandwiches made of?
The Vietnamese roll or sandwich is a harmonious blend of meat and vegetables stemming from traditional Vietnamese cooking like pork sausage, cilantro, cucumber, pickled carrots, and pickled daikon, coupled with pâté and other French-inspired sauces such as buttery mayonnaise and spicy red chili.
What does a traditional banh mi contain?
The Banh Mi sandwich is a delightful French-Vietnamese combo that took the streets of Saigon by storm. It features a light and fluffy baguette filled with a range of protein options such as sweet minced pork, fatty pate and sardines. The sandwich is also packed with a mix of sour pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cilantro, spicy chilis, and crisp cucumber slices.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks. An ultimate recipe for a delicious Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwich that’s easy to make and will leave your taste buds zinging with delight. This unique blend of Vietnamese and Italian cuisine is the perfect marriage of sweet, spicy, nutty, and fresh flavors that will satisfy your hunger in the most refreshing way possible.
Whether you are a fan of traditional banh mi sandwiches or want to try something new, this recipe is guaranteed to take you on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more. So go ahead and give it a whirl. Your family and friends will thank you for bringing such a delightful dish to the table.
Remember to experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste buds, and don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below. We would love to hear about your culinary exploits.
In the end, preparing this dish is an excellent opportunity to experience the ultimate fusion of Vietnamese and Italian cuisine without having to travel overseas. Therefore, don’t hesitate any longer; grab that French baguette, those delicious Italian sausages, and those pickled vegetables because it’s time to create a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more.
In conclusion, making an Italian Sausage Banh Mi sandwich is not only fun but also a creative way of exploring new flavors while preserving traditional dishes’ essence. Get ready for deliciousness overload!
Italian Sausage Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sub Sandwich) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 links Italian sausages, uncooked (sweet or hot)
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (I used 4 colors already sliced from Trader Joe's)
- 4 ounces reduced-fat swiss cheese, sliced (4 slices)
- cooking spray
- salt and pepper, if desired
- 1 French baguette, uncut (cut into four 8-inch portions or four 8-inch oblong crusty bread rolls)
- 1 -2 cup baby arugula
Sauce
- 1/4 cup Best Foods Mayonnaise
- 1 -2 teaspoon hot chili sauce, sriracha (optional if you like it spicy)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 fresh garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly spray a large baking sheet.
- Lay onion slices and bell pepper slices on the baking sheet and spray with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
- Prick sausages with a fork and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir and turn veggies and sausages at about 10 minutes so they don't burn on the bottom.
- Puree sauce ingredients together. I used an immersion blender in a pyrex measuring cup. A mini food processor would work too.
- Cut a wedge (making a V large enough for the sausage and veggies to fit in) out of each bread roll and spread the interior with basil sauce. You can spread the cut out wedge with sauce too or you can discard it.
- Lay Swiss cheese slices over the sauce.
- Place prepared bread rolls onto a second baking tray and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted to your liking.
- Remove from oven and place sausage into prepared bread rolls, cover with onions and peppers and top with arugula.
- If you saved the cut out bread wedges you can eat them on the side.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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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.