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Bánh Mì

Bánh Mì

Melena
This authentic-style Bánh Mì recipe features a crispy Vietnamese baguette filled with savory chicken or tofu, tangy pickled carrots and daikon, fresh herbs, and creamy mayo spread. Learn how to make homemade Bánh Mì with perfectly balanced sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh flavors—just like your favorite Vietnamese café.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Sandwich
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 4 small French baguettes light and airy
  • 2 cups cooked grilled chicken or baked tofu thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
  • Pickled Vegetables
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded daikon radish
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Sauce
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Maggi seasoning optional
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha optional

Instructions
 

  • Make the Pickled Vegetables
  • In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, warm water, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
  • Add shredded carrots and daikon.
  • Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
  • Prepare the Protein
  • For Chicken:
  • Grill or pan-cook seasoned chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Rest, then slice thinly.
  • For Tofu:
  • Press tofu 15–20 minutes to remove moisture.
  • Slice and pan-sear over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
  • Season lightly with soy sauce and black pepper.
  • Toast the Bread
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place baguettes directly on oven rack and toast 5 minutes until crisp outside but soft inside.
  • Assemble the Bánh Mì
  • Slice baguette lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
  • Spread mayonnaise mixture on both sides.
  • Layer protein evenly.
  • Add generous pickled vegetables.
  • Top with cucumber, jalapeños, and cilantro.
  • Press gently and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not skip the pickled vegetables—they are essential for authentic flavor.
  • Avoid dense bread; the baguette should be light and airy.
  • Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Pickles can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Keyword banh mi recipe, vietnamese sandwich