Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this roasted pork banh mi recipe. This sandwich combines succulent, caramelized pork with crisp, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, all nestled in a crusty baguette. The harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy elements makes it a delightful culinary adventure. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this banh mi will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Hanoi.
When preparing this recipe, you might encounter a few ingredients that aren't staples in every kitchen. Daikon radish is a mild-flavored, large white radish commonly used in Asian cuisine, and it may require a trip to a specialty store. Baguettes are essential for the authentic banh mi experience, so ensure you get fresh, crusty ones. Cilantro, a fragrant herb, adds a burst of freshness, but if you're not a fan, you can substitute it with parsley.

Ingredients For Roasted Pork Banh Mi Recipe
Pork shoulder: A flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender when roasted, perfect for absorbing marinades.
Baguettes: Crusty French bread that forms the base of the banh mi, providing a satisfying crunch.
Carrots: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the sandwich, balancing the savory pork.
Daikon radish: A mild-flavored radish that is often pickled, adding a tangy crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a burst of flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
Mayonnaise: Creamy spread that adds richness and moisture to the sandwich.
Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that seasons the pork, enhancing its flavor.
Rice vinegar: A mild vinegar that adds acidity and a slight sweetness to the marinade.
Sugar: Balances the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness to the marinade and pickled vegetables.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, making them more pronounced.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the pork seasoning.
Technique Tip for This Vietnamese Sandwich
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your banh mi, focus on the pickling process for the carrots and daikon radish. After mixing them with a pinch of salt and sugar, let them sit for at least 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to absorb the seasoning, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a slight tanginess. For a more intense flavor, you can extend the pickling time or add a splash of rice vinegar. This step is crucial for creating that signature contrast between the savory pork and the refreshing crunch of the vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork shoulder - Substitute with chicken thigh: Chicken thigh provides a similar texture and richness, making it a good alternative for those who prefer poultry.
baguettes - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar crusty exterior and soft interior, which works well for a banh mi sandwich.
julienned carrots - Substitute with julienned cucumber: Cucumber offers a fresh and crisp texture, adding a refreshing element to the sandwich.
julienned daikon radish - Substitute with julienned jicama: Jicama provides a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for daikon radish.
cilantro - Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves offer a fresh and aromatic flavor, providing a different but pleasant herbal note.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor to soy sauce.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used to achieve a comparable tangy flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness with a slight floral note, offering a natural alternative to sugar.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral profile.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and can be used to maintain a similar level of spiciness.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Vietnamese Sandwich
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the pork to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the baguette soggy.
For short-term storage, wrap each banh mi individually in parchment paper or aluminum foil. This keeps the baguette crisp and the flavors intact.
Place the wrapped banh mi in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pork separately. Slice the pork thinly, then lay the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To freeze the baguettes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps maintain their texture.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°f (150°c) until warmed through.
For the baguettes, reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°f (175°c) for about 10 minutes or until crispy.
Assemble the banh mi with fresh cilantro and pickled vegetables just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the baguette in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is warm and slightly crispy. Meanwhile, gently reheat the pork slices in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep them moist.
If you're in a hurry, use a microwave. Wrap the baguette in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 20-30 seconds to soften it. For the pork, place it on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
For a stovetop approach, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pork slices in the skillet, adding a small amount of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. Cover with a lid and steam for a few minutes until heated through. Toast the baguette in the same skillet for a crispy exterior.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the baguette directly on the rack and heat for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, reheat the pork slices in a small oven-safe dish covered with foil to retain moisture.
For an air fryer, set it to 320°F (160°C). Place the baguette inside for 3-4 minutes to achieve a crispy texture. Reheat the pork slices separately in a small air fryer-safe dish, covered with foil, for about 3 minutes.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the pork shoulder slices to achieve a fully cooked and slightly caramelized texture.
Baking tray: Holds the pork shoulder slices while they roast in the oven.
Knife: Essential for slicing the pork thinly after it has been roasted.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the pork and preparing other ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the julienned carrots and daikon radish with salt and sugar for pickling.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Spoon: Useful for mixing the pickling ingredients with the vegetables.
Tongs: Handy for handling the hot pork slices after roasting.
Spatula: Helps in spreading mayonnaise evenly on the baguettes.
Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the assembled banh mi sandwiches before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Vietnamese Sandwich
Marinate in advance: Prepare the pork shoulder with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spices the night before to enhance flavor and save time on cooking day.
Pre-slice vegetables: Julienne the carrots and daikon radish ahead of time and store them in the fridge to streamline assembly.
Use store-bought baguettes: Purchase fresh baguettes from a bakery to avoid baking your own, saving time and effort.
Batch roast: Cook extra pork to have leftovers for quick meals throughout the week, minimizing future prep time.

Roasted Pork Banh Mi Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork shoulder sliced thin
- 4 Baguettes split lengthwise
- 1 cup Carrots julienned
- 1 cup Daikon radish julienned
- ½ cup Cilantro fresh, chopped
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pork shoulder slices on a baking tray and season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast the pork in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- While the pork is roasting, mix the julienned carrots and daikon radish in a bowl with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to pickle slightly.
- Once the pork is done, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the split baguettes.
- Layer the sliced pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro inside the baguettes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Roasted Pork Banh Mi!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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