Vietnamese Cuisine - Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a Vietnamese term that refers to a type of bread, but it has become widely associated with a specific style of sandwich that originated in Vietnam during the French colonial period. The word "bánh mì" itself translates to "bread" in Vietnamese.

The history of bánh mì can be traced back to the French influence in Vietnam, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. French baguettes were introduced to Vietnam by French colonizers, and local bakers adapted the recipe to suit local tastes and ingredients.
The traditional bánh mì sandwich typically consists of a French baguette, which is lighter and airier than its Western counterpart, filled with a variety of ingredients that reflect both Vietnamese and French culinary influences. The classic components of a bánh mì include:

• Bread: The foundation of the bánh mì is the Vietnamese baguette, which is often made with a combination of wheat and rice flours. The result is a lighter and crispier crust compared to the French baguette.

• Protein: Bánh mì sandwiches can feature various protein options, such as grilled or barbecued pork (bánh mì thịt nướng), Vietnamese sausage (bánh mì xíu mại), shredded chicken, pate, or tofu for vegetarian versions.

• Condiments: Bánh mì is typically dressed with a combination of mayonnaise, Vietnamese-style pâté, and a variety of sauces like soy sauce or Maggi seasoning. Traditional Vietnamese pickles, consisting of daikon radish and carrots, add a tangy and crunchy element to the sandwich.

• Vegetables and Herbs: Fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and sometimes jalapeño peppers are common additions, providing freshness, crunch, and a hint of spiciness to the sandwich.

Bánh mì gained international popularity due to its unique blend of flavors and textures. Over time, the concept of the bánh mì sandwich has evolved, with various regional and creative interpretations emerging both in Vietnam and around the world.

Today, bánh mì is enjoyed not only in Vietnam but also in many other countries, where different cultural influences have contributed to diverse variations of this delicious and versatile sandwich.

Bánh mì Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Pork:

• 1 pound (450g) pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Pickled Vegetables:

• 1 cup julienned daikon radish
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sandwich:

• Baguettes (enough for the number of sandwiches you want to make)
• Mayonnaise
• Vietnamese pâté
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Grilled Pork:

• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, vegetable oil, and black pepper.
• Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Prepare the Pickled Vegetables:

• In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
• Add julienned daikon and carrots to the vinegar mixture, making sure they are submerged. Let them pickle for at least 30 minutes.

3. Grill the Pork:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Grill the marinated pork slices until cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.

4. Assemble the Bánh mì:

• Slice the baguettes in half lengthwise and toast them if desired.
• Spread mayonnaise on one side of the bread and Vietnamese pâté on the other.
• Layer the grilled pork on the bread, followed by pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro leaves, and jalapeño peppers if using.

5. Serve:

• Close the sandwich and press it gently to bring all the flavors together.
• Serve the Bánh mì immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Bánh mì is versatile, so you can experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and condiments to create your perfect sandwich.

I recommend you to watch these recipe videos I chose for you;

How To Make Banh Mi;

Bake Bánh Mì;

Perfect Banh Mi With Crispy Pork Belly At Home;

Banh Mi recipe from Vietnam;

Traditional Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sandwich;

References;

1.  "The best Vietnamese Sandwich to Fall in Love With". Authenticfoodquest.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
2. Moskin, Julia (7 April 2009). "Building on Layers of Tradition". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
3. "banh mi". OxfordDictionaries.com (British & World English). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 16 December 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
4. "banh mi". OxfordDictionaries.com (North American English). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 16 December 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
5. "banh mi". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (5th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
6. "Banh Mi". Merriam-Webster. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
7. "banh mi". Collins English Dictionary. HarperCollins. Archived from the original on 24 November 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
8. Saigon-Style Banh Mi Archived 29 May 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Los Angeles Times
9. "Bánh mì Sài Gòn ở Mỹ". baomoi.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
10. Lorenzo, Sandra (21 April 2013). "Banh Mi : le sandwich vietnamien qui va pimenter votre pause déjeuner". HuffPost (in French). Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.

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