Recipe: Vietnamese Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches With Pickled Carrots And Cilantro
Introduction
Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese culinary influences. This delicious and flavorful sandwich is filled with grilled pork, pickled carrots, cilantro, and other fresh ingredients. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making your own mouthwatering Banh Mi sandwiches at home.
Ingredients
To make Vietnamese Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches, you will need the following ingredients:
For the grilled pork:
- 1 pound of pork tenderloin
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pickled carrots:
- 2 medium-sized carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For assembling the sandwiches:
- Baguettes or French rolls
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha sauce (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate and grill the pork
Start by marinating the pork tenderloin. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Place the pork in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the pork for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the pork into thin strips.
Step 2: Prepare the pickled carrots
In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Place the julienned carrots in a glass jar or bowl, and pour the pickling liquid over them. Make sure the carrots are fully submerged. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to pickle. You can also refrigerate them for a stronger flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches
Cut the baguettes or French rolls in half lengthwise. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on one side of each roll. If desired, add a drizzle of Sriracha sauce for some heat.
Layer the grilled pork slices on the bottom half of the roll. Top with pickled carrots, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced cucumbers, and jalapenos (if using). Press the top half of the roll firmly to close the sandwich.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Your Vietnamese Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches are now ready to be served! Cut them in half if desired and serve them immediately. These sandwiches make a delightful lunch or dinner option, packed with vibrant flavors and textures.
Conclusion
By following this recipe, you can recreate the beloved Vietnamese Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches in your own kitchen. The combination of succulent grilled pork, tangy pickled carrots, fresh cilantro, and other ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Vietnam. Enjoy these delicious sandwiches as a tasty and satisfying meal!