Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Sandwich)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
110 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Vietnamese
Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Sandwich)
Description
The recipe begins by combining minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, ground pepper, brown sugar, chicken bouillon powder, Chinese five spice, oyster and fish sauces, honey, and avocado oil to create a flavorful marinade. Thin slices of pork shoulder are tossed in this mixture and left to marinate for at least 30 minutes or preferably several hours for deeper flavor. The pork is then threaded onto skewers.
Cooking can be done in the oven or on the grill. Oven roasting involves placing skewers on a raised rack over a baking tray at 400°F (200°C) to mimic the effect of grilling by allowing heat to circulate and meat juices to drip away. Grilling over medium-high heat caramelizes the pork with a light char. The cooked pork is juicy with hints of aromatic lemongrass and balanced seasoning.
The sandwich layers the grilled pork with pickled vegetables (daikon, carrot), fresh herbs, cucumber, jalapeño slices, and Vietnamese style mayonnaise inside a baguette bread. This gives a crunchy, tangy, and herbaceous contrast to the savory meat. A splash of Maggi seasoning can be added for an additional umami boost.
Wrapping the assembled sandwich in parchment paper is suggested for easier handling and to imitate street food style presentation.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Pork
- 1-2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 3 tablespoons lemongrass stems, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon shallot minced
- 2 teaspoons black pepper or white pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 Thai Chili pepper optional
For the Banh Mi
- mayonnaise Vietnamese style
- carrot pickled
- daikon radish pickled
- cilantro
- Maggi seasoning
- cucumber sliced
- jalapeño sliced
Instructions
For the Grilled Pork
- In a large bowl, mix lemongrass, garlic, shallot, ground pepper, brown sugar, chicken bouillon powder, five spice, oyster sauce, fish sauce, honey, and avocado oil until combined.
- Slice the pork thinly against the grain for tenderness. Add the sliced pork and toss until well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit for 4 hours or overnight.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the pork onto skewers and place them on a baking tray. For even cooking, rest the skewers over a small deep baking tray so the pork doesn’t touch the bottom—this helps mimic grilling. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the pork is fully cooked with a nice char. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork.
Assembling the Banh Mi
- Have your pickled daikon and carrots, sliced cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices (if using) ready. If your baguette isn’t pre-sliced, carefully cut it horizontally, leaving one side hinged to hold the filling.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and/or pâté inside, then drizzle with Maggi seasoning for extra flavor.
- Add the grilled pork, making sure it covers the length of the bread. Layer on the cucumbers, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Gently press the sandwich together and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate pork for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to maximize flavor infusion.
- Using thinly sliced pork shoulder helps achieve tender grilled meat with quick cooking.
- Wrap the finished banh mi in parchment paper for convenient handling and traditional presentation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 110 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 110kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 476mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 177mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 17IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.