Introduction
Discover the delightful fusion of flavors with this tantalizing recipe for Banh Mi, featuring crispy pork belly and a special sauce. This Vietnamese street food classic offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a favorite for sandwich lovers. With its crunchy crust, savory filling, and zesty toppings, these rolls are sure to impress at any meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Crispy Pork Belly:
– 1 kg (2 lb) pork belly with skin on, not scored
– 1½ tsp canola or vegetable oil, divided
– ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
– 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt, divided
– ¼ tsp black or white pepper
For the Special Banh Mi Sauce:
– 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 3 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
– ½ tsp dark soy sauce (for color; substitute with light or regular soy sauce if unavailable)
For Assembling the Banh Mi (5 Rolls):
– 5 crusty white rolls (lightly toasted if softened)
– 120 g (4 oz) chicken pâté
– 6 tbsp whole-egg mayonnaise or Kewpie mayonnaise
– 1 batch Vietnamese pickled carrots and daikon
– 3 green onion stems, cut to the length of the rolls (2 to 3 pieces per roll)
– 2 cucumbers, finely sliced using a vegetable peeler or knife
– 2 cups coriander (cilantro) leaves and small sprigs
– 3 Bird’s Eye or Thai chilies, finely sliced
– 8 tbsp crispy fried shallots (store-bought)
Prep Time
Approximately 30 minutes is needed for preparation, including prepping the pork belly and gathering all the ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 5 Banh Mi rolls
Enjoy crafting these delectable Banh Mi sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful snack!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pork Belly
– Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels.
– Rub 1 tsp of oil over the flesh side.
– Sprinkle the flesh side with five-spice powder (if using), ½ tsp salt, and pepper.
– Flip the pork belly skin-side up.
– Rub the remaining ½ tsp of oil over the skin.
– Sprinkle the skin with the remaining ½ tsp salt.
Roast the Pork Belly
– Place the pork belly on a rack set over a baking tray lined with foil.
– Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 2 hours.
– Increase the oven temperature to 240°C (465°F) and roast for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and puffed.
– Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Special Banh Mi Sauce
– In a small saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, coconut milk, and dark soy sauce.
– Stir over medium heat until warmed through and well combined.
– Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Banh Mi
– Slice the crusty rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached.
– Spread a layer of chicken pâté on one side of each roll.
– Spread mayonnaise on the other side.
– Drizzle the prepared special banh mi sauce over the mayonnaise.
– Layer slices of crispy pork belly on the pâté side.
– Top with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, green onions, coriander leaves, and chili slices.
– Sprinkle crispy fried shallots over the fillings.
– Close the rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking Tip
– For extra crispy skin, ensure the pork skin is completely dry before roasting.
Ingredient Substitutions
– If you do not have dark soy sauce, light or regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though the color may be lighter.
Serving Suggestion
– Serve the banh mi fresh for the best texture and flavor, and consider pairing it with a side of extra pickled vegetables.
Storage Advice
– Once assembled, the banh mi is best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain crispness.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Pork Belly
Pat the pork belly dry to ensure a crispy skin. Applying oil and seasoning to both the flesh and skin sides enhances flavor and texture.
Roasting the Pork Belly
Roast the pork belly at a lower temperature to tenderize, then increase the heat for the final stage. This method helps achieve a perfectly crispy and puffed skin.
Making the Special Banh Mi Sauce
Warm the hoisin sauce, coconut milk, and dark soy sauce over medium heat to allow the flavors to blend smoothly.
Assembling the Banh Mi
Layer the ingredients thoughtfully, starting with the pâté and mayonnaise, followed by the crispy pork belly and fresh toppings, to create a balanced flavor in every bite.
FAQ
Can I use other meats instead of pork belly?
Yes, you can substitute with chicken, beef, or tofu, but the cooking times will vary.
How do I ensure the pork belly skin is crispy?
Make sure the skin is dry before roasting and apply oil and salt to help achieve crispiness during cooking.
What can I substitute for Vietnamese pickled carrots and daikon?
You can use store-bought pickles or make a quick pickle with carrots and cucumbers using vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Is there a vegetarian version of Banh Mi?
Yes, you can replace the meat with grilled or fried tofu and use vegetarian pâté or spread.
How do I store leftover Banh Mi?
Store the fillings and bread separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness. Assemble just before serving.
Conclusion
The combination of crispy pork belly, vibrant pickled vegetables, and flavorful sauces makes for an incredibly tasty Banh Mi. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the crunch of the pork skin to the freshness of the herbs and vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish brings a taste of Vietnam right to your table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Banh Mi
Swap the pork belly for marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh, and use the same pickled vegetables and sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
Spicy Shrimp Banh Mi
Replace the pork with marinated shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili for a seafood twist that pairs wonderfully with the same fresh toppings.
BBQ Duck Banh Mi
Use roasted or BBQ duck instead of pork belly, providing a richer flavor profile. The pickles and sauces will complement the duck beautifully.
Phở-inspired Banh Mi
Incorporate flavors from traditional Vietnamese Phở by adding sliced beef brisket or meatballs along with fresh herbs like basil and bean sprouts.
Breakfast Banh Mi
Create a breakfast version using scrambled eggs or a fried egg, with crispy bacon or sausage, and all the fresh toppings for a morning treat.
