Hidden Veggie Banh Mi with Pickled Daikon and Carrot

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Vietnamese-inspired sandwich featuring a crusty baguette layered with hidden shredded vegetables, fresh herbs, and pickled daikon and carrot for crunch and tang. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs large, about 12 inches baguette, shredded daikon radish, shredded carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt; stir until sugar dissolves. Place 1 cup shredded daikon radish and 1 cup shredded carrot in a jar or bowl and pour the pickling liquid over. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season 8 ounces sliced extra firm tofu with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook tofu slabs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp on edges.
  3. Step 3: Cut 1 large baguette horizontally but not all the way through to create a hinge. Spread 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise mixed with 1 tablespoon soy sauce evenly inside the bread.
  4. Step 4: Layer cooked tofu, pickled daikon and carrot (drained), 1/2 thinly sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 1 small thinly sliced jalapeño inside the baguette.
  5. Step 5: Close the sandwich gently and press slightly to compact. Slice into portions and serve immediately for a crunchy, fresh hidden veggie banh mi.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Veggie Banh Mi with Pickled Daikon and Carrot take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Hidden Veggie Banh Mi with Pickled Daikon and Carrot?

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 shredded daikon radish from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Banh Mi with Pickled Daikon and Carrot?

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 Hidden Veggie Banh Mi with Pickled Daikon and Carrot 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.

Is Hidden Veggie Banh Mi with Pickled Daikon and Carrot vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.