A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich
Howdy folks! Are you feeling ravenous? Well, don’t you worry because I’ve got just the thing to satisfy your hunger…a Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich, also known as Banh Mi! This chicken sandwich banh is one of the best dishes I’ve come across, and believe me, I’ve eaten a fair few sandwiches in my time.
This sandwich has been in high demand all over North America since it emerged from the streets of Saigon. It’s truly sensational and genuinely delicious. I’m talking about grilled chickens marinated in a luscious mixture of soy sauce, ginger powder, fish sauce, lemongrass, and sugar, placed in a crispy French baguette. Dazzled with pickled carrots daikon and cucumber slices, slathered with mayo, and garnished with cilantro – all these elements form to make the perfect symphony of flavors.
The Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich is my absolute favorite because it packs a punch with every bite while being extremely refreshing in taste. It’s got everything going for it – spicy and savory flavors mingling so well that it makes your taste buds dance with joy! And guess what? This sammie even includes some veggies in there too, making it healthier than most sandwiches out there.
I guarantee that once you try this delightful mi ga nuong recipe yourself, you’ll be hooked for life! So let’s jump into the ingredients list and learn how to cook up a storm. Trust me; your tummy will thank you for it later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hold onto your seats, folks because you’re about to fall in love with a sandwich! That’s right, one bite of this Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi and you’ll be head over heels.
This recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy and tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. With ingredients like grilled chicken, pickled carrots and cilantro, all topped off with a delicious peanut butter-based sauce, it’s no wonder why so many people have fallen in love with this sandwich.
But the magic doesn’t stop there – this isn’t just any old chicken sandwich, oh no! It’s a Vietnamese-style sandwich otherwise known as ‘Banh Mi’. This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic bread and meat offering with its irresistible blend of middle eastern spices and Southeast Asian flavors. Trust me; this fusion will make your taste buds sing in ways that you’ve never imagined before. Not only is it a tasty dish to enjoy when you’ve got some buddies over for a game night or for an intimate family dinner bit it’s also budget-friendly!
So, why will you love this recipe? Because it’s easy to make, packed full of flavors, budget-friendly and quite frankly irresistible. So go ahead and give it a go – I guarantee it’ll soon become a favorite both amongst your family and friends.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at what ingredients you’ll need for this Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi) recipe.
Here is a detailed Ingredient List:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup broccoli slaw mix
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Baguette or bread of your choice
- Pickled carrots and daikon (Pickling recipe not included in this article. You can buy them at any Asian grocery store)
- Original sandwich spread: Mix together peanut butter, water, soy sauce and a little bit of sugar to taste.
- Optional sandwich spreads: Mayonnaise with a little bit of Sriracha, Hoisin Sauce mixed with Mayo.
Having all the ingredients prepared and ready ahead of time is key to making this recipe a success!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to dive into the most important part of this recipe article – how to make a delicious Vietnamese chicken banh mi sandwich at home. I promise that the end result will be worth the effort!
Grilled Vietnamese Chicken
The key to a great chicken banh mi sandwich is to use tender and flavorful meat. In this recipe, I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, ginger powder, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes.
Then, I grill the chicken until it’s cooked through and charred in parts. You can also cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Sandwich Spread
To create a perfect balance of flavors in your Vietnamese chicken banh mi sandwich, you need a good sandwich spread. The recipe calls for a thin layer of mayonnaise combined with peanut butter and hoisin sauce, which adds tangy, nutty, and slightly sweet notes.
You can also adjust the ratio of these ingredients to suit your taste preference or substitute other spreads such as Sriracha mayo or sriracha sour cream.
Pickled Carrots and Daikon
Another essential component of any banh mi sandwich is pickled veggies. In this recipe, I use thinly sliced carrots and daikon that are soaked in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt for at least one hour (or overnight) until they become sweet-tart and crunchy.
To save time, you can also buy pre-made pickled veggies from Asian grocery stores or use other types of quick-pickled veggies such as cucumbers or broccoli slaw mix.
Bun/Bread
Lastly, no Vietnamese chicken banh mi sandwich would be complete without a crispy yet soft bun-like bread called “banh mi” that is used for the sandwich.
You can find banh mi bread in most Asian markets or bakeries, but you can also use a French baguette as a substitute. To assemble the sandwich, cut the bread lengthwise and toast it until crispy.
Assembling the Sandwich
Once you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble your Vietnamese chicken banh mi sandwich. Start by spreading a thin layer of the mayo mixture on one half of the toasted bread, followed by a layer of pickled veggies, thinly sliced cucumbers, and fresh cilantro leaves.
Top that with a generous layer of grilled Vietnamese chicken and another spread of mayo mixture before adding the remaining bread top. Press down lightly and enjoy your delicious homemade Vietnamese chicken banh mi sandwich!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, in case you’re out of some ingredients or you feel like adding a personal touch to the recipe, fret not! I’ve got just the thing for you. There are countless substitutions and variations that can be done for this Vietnamese chicken sandwich.
One common issue is finding the broccoli slaw mix. Instead of the mix, you can use shredded carrots and cabbage to make your own slaw. For the pickled carrots and daikon, you can substitute them with thinly sliced cucumbers or radishes if needed.
If you’re looking for more protein options, you could easily replace boneless skinless chicken breast with roasted chicken, shredded chicken thigh or even chicken sausage. Moreover, this recipe could be done with a slow cooker or BBQ grilled chicken to add an exciting flavor to the dish.
While peanut butter is used in the recipe’s sauce, it could be replaced with almond butter or even tahini. Additionally, honey or maple syrup could work as an alternative sweetener other than sugar.
For vegetarians and vegans seeking a delightful bite, tofu can be used instead of chicken. Add some sesame oil while frying your tofu to give it a beautiful texture and enhance its flavor. You can also opt for mock meat such as vegan chicken made from soy protein.
Last but not least, let’s not forget about lemongrass. It’s widely used in Vietnamese cuisine for its unique aroma and citrusy flavor. If you want to include it in your recipe, simply add minced lemongrass into your marination sauce and let your chicken soak up all the lovely flavors.
Playing around with different ingredients always leads to new and fascinating results. Take this chance to experiment, customize and create something wonderful that suits your taste buds perfectly!
Serving and Pairing
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Once you’ve successfully whipped up your banh mi, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this delightful Vietnamese delicacy!
I recommend serving these tasty sandwiches with a side of crispy potato chips or crunchy Vietnamese-style spring rolls. The sandwich pairs perfectly with a frosty cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
For presentation, cut the sandwich diagonally in half to show off the delicious fillings inside. The combination of flavors and textures in each bite is sure to delight your taste buds.
One great thing about banh mi sandwiches is that they can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner! They are also perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings with friends and family.
So go ahead and get creative with your serving ideas to make your banh mi experience even more enjoyable!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made those mouth-watering Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches (Banh Mi) with the perfect grilled chicken, silky pickled carrots and daikon, and fresh cilantro, you might be wondering how to keep them on hand for later.
Luckily, these sandwiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. To make them ahead of time, simply prepare the chicken and pickled vegetables according to the recipe instructions. Then store them separately in air-tight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
When you’re ready to eat, toast your baguette or bread and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or peanut butter (for a tasty twist). Top with a layer of grilled chicken, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, broccoli slaw mix, and cilantro leaves.
If you’re storing leftover sandwiches for later enjoyment, it’s best to store them without the veggies or cilantro as they tend to wilt quickly. Simply store your prepared grilled chicken and bread separately in air-tight containers until you’re ready to reheat and serve again.
To reheat your sandwich, heat up your roasted chicken or shredded chicken slowly in a non-stick skillet or slow cooker until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. You can then assemble your sandwich with fresh vegetables and herbs when you’re ready to eat.
With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy your delicious Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches on-the-go whenever you please!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi) to be on point, then you need to follow these tips for perfect results. Trust me, these insider tips will elevate your sandwich game and have everyone raving about your culinary skills.
First and foremost, the chicken is the star of this sandwich. You can choose to prepare it in different ways – grilled or roasted, but I strongly recommend using lemongrass-marinated chicken (gà nướng). Lemongrass adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. To make sure the chicken is juicy and flavorful, marinate it overnight and grill it until it’s cooked through.
For the veggies, it’s important to cut them into thin slices so that they fit perfectly in the sandwich without overpowering other flavors. The pickled carrots and daikon are a must because they add a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the chicken. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can purchase a pre-made broccoli slaw mix and just add vinegar, water, sugar, soy sauce, ginger powder and peanut butter as dressing.
The bread is also crucial to this recipe. The baguette needs to be toasted just right – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. When assembling the sandwich, spread a thin layer of mayo mixed with hoisin sauce on each half of the bread before piling on your fillings. This helps bind everything together and adds extra richness to every bite.
Finally, don’t skimp on fresh herbs like cilantro – they make all the difference in adding an earthy freshness to each bite. So go ahead and top your Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich with lots of cilantro!
By following these tips for perfect results, you’ll achieve a delicious Banh Mi sandwich that tastes just like what you would get from a street vendor in Vietnam. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’re a pro at making a delicious Vietnamese chicken sandwich, there might be some questions you have about it. Here are some frequently asked questions and my expert answers to help you out!
What is in a traditional Vietnamese banh mi?
Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that may sound unusual at first – featuring a crispy bread roll loaded with pate, mayo, unique Asian ham, pickled veggies, green onion, fragrant cilantro, a generous amount of spicy chili peppers, and a flavorful drizzle of seasoning.
What is banh mi sauce made of?
To create the sauce, I recommend mixing together some mayonnaise, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Another option for seasoning the sauce is using Maggi seasoning. This ingredient is a widely-used flavor enhancer in many sauces, soups, and stir-fry’s that can be purchased at international foods markets or online retailers like Amazon.
What kind of bread is used for banh mi?
When it comes to banh mi sandwiches, the bread is a crucial component. It is essential to toast the baguette to attain that desirable crunchy texture. Moreover, for the best results, it’s recommended to avoid long French-style baguettes from local bakeries or grocery stores.
What is chicken banh mi called in Vietnamese?
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a scrumptious Vietnamese grilled chicken sandwich called Bánh mì gà nướng. The chicken is marinated in flavorful East Asian seasonings, then grilled to perfection. It’s served on a crunchy baguette topped with pickled veggies, spicy chili, and fresh cilantro.
Bottom Line
Now that you have the recipe for this delicious Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi), there’s no excuse not to try it out. The combination of flavors and textures in this sandwich is sure to tantalize your taste buds, and once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to the store and pickup the ingredients for this amazing recipe. Not only will you enjoy a fantastic meal, but you’ll also impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. And who knows, maybe they’ll even start calling you a Banh Mi master.
Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s beloved by so many people all around the world. Whether you’re a chicken lover or just looking for something new to add to your lunchtime repertoire, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.
So grab your baguette, thinly slice your chicken, spread on that sauce, and start creating those layers of flavor that make this Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich so irresistible. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, you won’t want to go back to ordinary sandwiches ever again!
Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I like them on the thinner side but thick is fine too)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (can also use a chile infused oil for some zip)
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (or powder to reduce sodium)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (can sub splenda)
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (I use rice wine, but any variety will do or can also sub with lime juice)
- 1 cup broccoli slaw mix
- 1/2 cucumber, VERY thinly sliced (I like the English seedless variety)
- cilantro (chopped) (optional)
- hot pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 rolls, split (ciabatta bread is great but any bread choice will do)
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts. Season with garlic salt.
- Wrap rolls in foil to heat on grill, or if cooking chicken indoors just pop in toaster oven to lightly toast.
- Chicken can be grilled outdoors or seared in a non stick skillet sprayed with Pam. Cook until done (10-15 minutes approximately depending on heat), without overcooking.
- Meanwhile, while chicken is cooking, in a very small sauce pan combine sugar, ginger, peanut butter, soy sauce, water, oil, and vinegar. Heat over medium low while stirring until sugar is disolved and peanut butter is melted.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering cucumbers on bottom of roll, top with chicken, followed by broccoli slaw (cilantro/hot pepper flakes if using too), then drizzle sauce over slaw. Top with upper bun.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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