Made with a crisp French baguette, grilled protein, sweet-sour pickled carrot and daikon, fresh cucumber and cilantro, Banh Mi is a balanced, satisfying classic of Vietnamese street food.
Written by
Ecem Akkaba · Dietitian
Dietitian, graduate of İstanbul Medipol University. She develops the recipes and nutrition values on FitZen.
Updated:
Banh Mi – Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich contains 480 calories per serving: 32 g protein, 55 g carbohydrate and 15 g fat. It takes 40 minutes in total and makes 2 servings.
Banh Mi is a unique street food born when the baguette left behind by the French colonial era met Vietnamese ingredients. The combination of crisp bread, grilled meat, fresh herbs and pickles strikes a perfect balance of texture and flavour.
This recipe uses lean chicken breast or pork tenderloin for protein, while the carrot and daikon pickle adds a bright acidity while keeping sugar and fat low. Fresh cilantro, cucumber and chili add freshness and fibre to the sandwich.
Thanks to grilling instead of frying and a measured amount of mayonnaise, Banh Mi easily fits into a healthy diet as a high-protein, balanced lunch option.
Toss the chicken or pork slices with fish sauce and soy sauce and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Mix the shredded carrot and radish with rice vinegar and sugar and let pickle for 15-20 minutes.
Cook the marinated meat in a hot pan or on a grill for 4-5 minutes until browned on both sides.
Split the baguettes open lengthwise and, if needed, warm them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inner surface of the baguette.
Fill with the grilled meat, drained carrot-radish pickle, cucumber slices, cilantro and red chili.
Close the top of the baguette, press gently and serve immediately.
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