Delicious Roasted Pork Banh Mi Recipe for Foodies
Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine? Do you love the crunchy crust of freshly baked bread and the savory taste of juicy roasted pork? Then you’re in for a treat with this roasted pork banh mi recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Banh mi, which is Vietnamese for “bread,” is a staple food in Vietnam – a crispy, chewy baguette that is stuffed with various fillings, such as pork belly, grilled pork, chicken, or liver pâté, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. This sandwich has become so beloved that it can now be found all over the world at street vendors, food trucks and restaurants.
For this recipe, I’ll be sharing with you how to make a roasted pork banh mi sandwich right in your home kitchen. Don’t worry if you haven’t made banh mi before – I’ll guide you through every step until you achieve a delicious sandwich that will make your friends and family think you’re a professional chef.
So let’s get started on creating this delightful Vietnamese specialty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of bold, punchy flavors? If so, then you’re in luck. This recipe for Roasted Pork Banh Mi is sure to be your new go-to when it comes to making Vietnamese sandwiches. Here’s why:
Firstly, this recipe uses roasted pork as its main protein source, which provides that satisfying umami taste that we all know and love. Combined with a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar in the marinade, the meat will have a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Secondly, this sandwich packs a ton of crunchy vegetable goodness! The broccoli slaw mix adds a lovely texture to the sandwich, while the fresh cilantro leaves give it a zesty kick. The julienned daikon radishes present an added dimension of flavor and crispness, rounding out the dish’s vibrant palette.
Finally, this recipe delivers on convenience and affordability. It simply requires combining the marinade ingredients with the pork before popping it in the oven. Then simply set up your Banh Mi assembly station and stack everything together for a hearty sandwich experience unlike no other.
In conclusion, if you want to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests alike with easy-to-make yet scrumptious food, this Roasted Pork Banh Mi recipe should be top of your list – fast prep time mixed with amazing flavors – what’s not to love?
Ingredient List
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp chopped lemongrass (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Banh Mi Sandwiches
- 4 banh mi rolls or thick baguette slices
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp liver pate
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Thinly sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Broccoli slaw mix (without the dressing) or julienned carrots and daikon radishes
- Roasted red pork belly**
Note:
You can substitute roasted pork belly with grilled pork, pulled pork, crispy pork or even use a meatless protein like tofu for a vegetarian option. The traditional Banh Mi sandwich includes a special liver pâté spread but you can omit it if you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the heart of the recipe – the steps to make your own delicious Roasted Pork Banh Mi!
Step 1: Prepping the Pork
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Take 1 pound of pork tenderloin and cut it into thin slices. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Brush the mixture generously over both sides of each pork slice, then place them in a baking dish.
Next, add 1/4 cup of water to the baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Assembling the Banh Mi
Take a handful of freshly picked cilantro leaves and rinse them thoroughly in cold water. Now take a piece of Roasted Pork, belly or tenderloin both work here, and cut it into thick slices.
Use an immersion blender to mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of your favorite aioli sauce or asian chili paste/sauce (I recommend Sriracha), 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar until well-combined.
Take one mini baguette roll each (of course you can use any kind bread rolls), slice it in half with serrated knife and spread the aforementioned concoction evenly on both sides of bread. Next place some freshly julienned or shredded daikon radish and a handful of broccoli slaw mix on top.
Now arrange the sliced pieces of roasted pork belly or tenderloin onto baguette so that they are overlapping, creating layers of juicy pork.
Step 3: Putting on the Final Touches
Finish off this scrumptious sandwich with a little drizzle of hoisin sauce and an optional spreading of liver pâté (this step is up to you), then garnish some fresh cilantro leaves over the top.
And don’t forget to serve your Roasted Pork Banh Mi with a side of pickle or another condiment, alongside chilled beverage of choice.
That’s all there is to it!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Banh Mi sandwiches is that they lend themselves to plenty of substitutions and variations. Here are a few ideas to customize your Pork Banh Mi recipe:
– Tofu Banh Mi: For a vegetarian option, substitute firm or extra-firm tofu for the pork. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then slice and bake it with soy sauce to create crispy tofu slices.
– Grilled Chicken Banh Mi: Swap out the pork for grilled chicken breast or thighs. Marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar before grilling.
– Pulled Pork Banh Mi: Slow-cook pork shoulder in a savory BBQ or hoisin sauce until it’s tender enough to easily shred with a fork. Pile the pulled pork on your sandwich for a delicious twist on traditional pork banh mi.
– Crispy Pork Rolls: Use a combination of pork belly and thinly sliced pork loin for an indulgent treat that delivers crispy skin and juicy meat in every bite. Roll up the pork belly like a jelly-roll before roasting to achieve maximum crunch.
– Lemongrass Pork Banh Mi: Marinade sliced pork loin in lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce and sugar before cooking. This scented and flavorful meat is perfect in banh mi, adding an aromatic twist to this Vietnamese classic.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, seasonings or marinades that speak to your palate. You may discover new scrumptious versions of this beloved Vietnamese street food!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made your delicious roasted pork banh mi, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it. A traditional banh mi sandwich is typically served as a street food, but you can easily elevate your meal by serving it at a sit-down dinner or for lunch.
One thing to keep in mind when serving this sandwich is that it’s filling and often has a lot of flavors going on, so don’t overwhelm it with too many sides or drinks. I recommend pairing it with a light and refreshing drink such as an iced tea or lemonade.
For sides, consider going with something light yet complementary like steamed vegetables or a simple vegetable salad. If you’re looking to add some starch to your meal, try serving your banh mi sandwich with a side of jasmine rice or crispy garlic fries.
When it comes to plating, I suggest cutting the sandwich into two halves so that guests can see the fillings inside. You can also add a side of extra veggies along with some fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
Whether you’re enjoying your banh mi sandwich at home or while out and about, one thing’s for sure – this Vietnamese classic will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning on making the Roasted Pork Banh Mi ahead of time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. First off, you can roast the pork up to 2 days in advance so that it’s ready to use when you’re assembling your sandwiches. Once the pork is cooked, let it cool down to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you want to get a head start on the other components of the sandwich, you can also prepare the broccoli slaw mix and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
If you have leftover sandwiches, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet or on a grill pan and heat them in a 350°F oven until warm.
One thing to keep in mind is that once the bread is filled with ingredients, it tends to get soggy quickly. If you want to avoid that, try keeping the filling separate from the bread until right before serving.
In summary, by preparing some elements ahead of time such as roasting pork or slicing vegetables, you can make assembling your sandwich easier when short on time. Just remember to store everything properly and if possible keep filling separate from bread. Reheating should generally be avoided if possible because Banh mi is best served fresh but if needed reheating can be done with care.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef with years of experience in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I have plenty of tips and tricks to ensure an amazing and successful Roasted Pork Banh Mi recipe. With the right techniques and careful planning, you’ll end up with a delicious sandwich that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, let’s dive into some helpful tips to ensure perfect results.
1. Make sure your pork is cooked just right
Roasting the pork can be tricky because you want it to be perfectly cooked through and tender on the inside while being crispy on the outside. To achieve this balance of textures, I recommend you use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork regularly while it’s cooking. Aim for a temperature of about 140-145°F for sliced pork, and 160-165°F for pulled pork or shredded meat. This will help prevent overcooking or undercooking your meat.
2. Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bread
Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in a classic Banh Mi sandwich, but it can be easy to overdo it or unevenly distribute it on the bread. To prevent this, I like to spread the mayo on both sides of the bread evenly, using a spoon or butter knife. Then, I sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on the bottom bun before adding any other ingredients.
3. Use fresh vegetables and herbs
Fresh ingredients are crucial for an authentic taste in any Vietnamese dish, including Banh Mi sandwiches. When possible, look for bright-colored vegetables such as julienned daikon radishes or carrots that are crisp and fresh with no signs of wilting or browning. The same goes for cilantro leaves – be sure they’re free of brown spots or wilted edges.
4. Toast your bread lightly
Toasting your rolls slightly helps them hold up better to all the filling in your sandwich without getting soggy or falling apart too easily. However, be sure not to toast them too much – you want them just slightly crisp on the outside while still fluffy and warm on the inside.
5. Experiment with flavors
While the classic roasted pork Banh Mi recipe is a delicious option, don’t be afraid to experiment with other proteins, such as lemongrass pork or grilled chicken. You can also try mixing up the veggies, using pickled jalapeños instead of fresh cilantro for some added heat, or incorporating different sauces or spreads like hoisin sauce or liver pâté.
With these helpful tips and techniques in mind, you’re well on your way to creating an amazing Roasted Pork Banh Mi sandwich that will impress all your friends and family.
FAQ
As you prepare to make this delicious roasted pork Banh Mi, you may encounter some questions that need answering. In this section, I’ll tackle some common FAQs and offer helpful tips to ensure that you enjoy a successful cooking experience. So let’s dive in!
What type of meat is used for banh mi?
Banh mi, a popular Vietnamese sandwich, is traditionally crafted with a combination of roasted pork and chicken liver pâté to create a perfect balance of flavors with acidic pickled vegetables and crisp fresh produce. Depending on the region, some variations may be made with only pâté while others offer alternatives such as meatballs, barbecued meat, cold cuts, or vegetarian pâté.
What is banh mi sauce made of?
For a quick and easy flavor boost to your Vietnamese and Asian dishes, I recommend trying out this sauce recipe. To make it, all you have to do is mix together some mayo, hoisin sauce, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Another option is to use Maggi seasoning instead of the sauce, which is a common ingredient in soups, sauces, and stir-fries. You can easily find this flavor enhancer at an international food market or online through sources like Amazon.
What is in a traditional Vietnamese banh mi?
For those who may not have tried it before, Banh Mi is a flavorful Vietnamese sandwich that combines various seemingly unusual elements. This sandwich is made with a crusty bread roll that is spread with pate and mayo then filled with Asian ham, pickled vegetables, green onion, coriander, fresh chillies and seasoning. Despite the seemingly odd combination of ingredients, the flavors of Banh Mi come together beautifully to create a delicious and unique sandwich.
What kind of pate is used in banh mi?
In Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches, a common ingredient is chicken or duck liver pâté. Its smooth, deep and earthy flavor provides an extra layer of texture and taste to the already tantalizing sandwich, which is further enhanced by the distinct flavors of pickled carrots and daikon radishes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vietnamese Roasted Pork Banh Mi Recipe is a delicious and savory meal that is sure to impress even the most discerning culinary enthusiasts. By following the recipe instructions and tips outlined in this article, you can create a delectable sandwich with crispy, caramelized pork belly or tender, juicy pork tenderloin that is bursting with flavor.
Whether it’s for lunch, dinner or a snack, the Banh Mi sandwich offers so many possibilities for satisfying your cravings. With its crusty roll and yummy fillings, it’s also very versatile and can be customized according to taste preferences. The roasted pork banh mi recipe is an excellent introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, providing a balance of textures and flavors that appeal to both newbies and connoisseurs alike.
So put on your apron and get ready to cook up a storm! With this recipe, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality dishes right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Try different variations, experiment with different ingredients or even make-ahead for a quick meal during busy weekdays. Your family, friends and guests will definitely be impressed with your cooking skills and probably ask for seconds – or thirds!
Don’t forget that any experience worth sharing should be shared with friends, so why not invite them over for a Banh Mi feast? Whether it’s grilled, crispy, pulled or roasted – there’s sure to be a recipe that best suits their taste buds. Cooking together with friends makes the meal even more enjoyable and helps you improve your skills as well.
So go ahead, give this delicious Roasted Pork Banh Mi Recipe a try! You won’t regret it – trust me on this one.
Roasted Pork Banh Mi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf whole wheat french bread
- 2 cups broccoli slaw mix (fresh produce section)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, low fat
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix the broccoli slaw, sugar and vinegar in a bowl. Let sit in the fridge while preparing the rest of the sandwich.
- Season the Pork with salt and pepper and roast for 20 minutes or until cooked to your liking (150-160 degrees).
- Let rest at least 5 minutes and slice thin.
- Cut the baguette in to 4 equal pieces and split in half. Spread mayonnaise on the bread, top with the roasted pork, cilantro, and broccoli slaw.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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