Banh Mi Thit with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Vietnamese sandwich featuring savory pork, tangy pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, all inside a crisp baguette. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 50 minutes pairs medium, about 10 inches each baguette, thinly sliced pork shoulder, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves; add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: For pickled vegetables, combine 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a jar; add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish, soak for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook marinated pork for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Slice 2 medium baguettes lengthwise without cutting through; toast lightly.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp sriracha; spread on baguette interiors.
  6. Step 6: Layer cooked pork, drained pickled vegetables, 1/2 medium thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves inside each baguette.
  7. Step 7: Press sandwiches gently, slice in half and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Banh Mi Thit with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Banh Mi Thit with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Banh Mi Thit with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Banh Mi Thit with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Banh Mi Thit with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro?

Vietnamese sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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