Crispy Banh Mi Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro

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

A crunchy Vietnamese banh mi sandwich layered with savory pork, tangy pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeño on a crusty baguette. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs large French baguette, grilled pork shoulder slices, carrot, julienned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 25 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add 1/2 cup julienned carrot and 1/2 cup julienned daikon. Toss and let pickle for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Slice 1 large French baguette in half lengthwise, then toast lightly until crusty and warm.
  3. Step 3: Mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tsp soy sauce until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly on both sides of the toasted baguette.
  4. Step 4: Layer 6 oz grilled pork shoulder slices on the bottom half of the baguette, followed by pickled vegetables, 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 6 jalapeño slices.
  5. Step 5: Close the sandwich, press gently, cut into 2 portions, and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy bread and savory fillings.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (25 min prep + 5 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 Crispy Banh Mi Sandwich 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 large french baguette from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Banh Mi Sandwich 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 Crispy Banh Mi Sandwich 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 Crispy Banh Mi Sandwich 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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