Vegan Banh Mi With Tempeh
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
15 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
465 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Vegan Banh Mi With Tempeh
Description
This vegan take on the Vietnamese Banh Mi features tempeh slices marinated in soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup, lime juice, garlic, fresh ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. The tempeh is then pan-fried until golden and infused with the marinade’s flavors. A vibrant mix of pickled vegetables—carrot, red onion, jalapeno, radish or daikon, and cucumber—is prepared by tossing with rice vinegar and salt to develop a bright acidic crunch.
The sandwich is assembled on crusty bread such as a baguette or hoagie roll, which provides a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft enough to enjoy easily. A spread of vegan mayonnaise combined with sriracha adds a creamy, spicy element. Fresh cilantro leaves contribute herbal freshness and aroma, complementing the pickled vegetables and savory tempeh.
This Banh Mi offers layered textures and complex flavors, contrasting the tangy pickles, spicy creamy sauce, and the umami-rich tempeh. It works well as a hearty lunch or casual dinner option for those seeking a plant-based alternative to the traditional version.
To maintain freshness, store the bread and fillings separately, keep bread at room temperature, and refrigerate veggies and tempeh. Pickled vegetables last approximately one week, and cooked tempeh remains good for up to five days.
Ingredients
For the pickled veggies:
- 1 small carrot peeled and julienned
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper seeded and julienned
- 2 small red radish or use daikon radish if you can find it, thinly sliced, optional
- 1 small pickling cucumber or regular slicing cucumber, peeled, thinly sliced
- ⅓ to ½ cup rice vinegar
- pinch of salt sea salt
For the sandwiches:
- 8 ounces tempeh
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- approx ½ teaspoon ginger freshly grated
- pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 2 to 3 ervings baguette or other crusty roll, sliced lengthwise
- approx ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise tap for recipe, homemade or store-bought
- 2 to 3 teaspoons sriracha use as much as you like!, to taste
- cilantro fresh
Instructions
- To make the pickled vegetables, place in a bowl or jar and add rice vinegar and a generous pinch of salt. Toss several times to coat, and set aside.
- Slice the tempeh and place in a shallow dish. Whisk together the marinade ingredients (soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper). Pour over the tempeh. Set aside for 15 minutes (or longer), stirring after a few minutes to make sure all pieces are covered and soaking up the flavors.
- Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add oil to the pan if desired. Arrange the tempeh in the pan, reserving the excess marinade and bits of garlic in the bowl. Cook tempeh for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, carefully stirring so the garlic doesn't burn. Remove from heat.
- Stir together the vegan mayonnaise and sriracha, if using. Spread mayo on both pieces of bread. Add tempeh, pickled veggies, and cilantro. Serve with extra mayo and pickled vegetables on the side.
Notes
- Opt for crusty bread with a crunchy exterior but manageable chew for an authentic banh mi experience; French baguette, hoagie rolls, or ciabatta are suitable choices.
- Assemble sandwiches just before serving or store components separately to maintain freshness.
- Pickled vegetables can be refrigerated for up to one week.
- Cooked tempeh can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 465kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.