Pan-Fried Pork Belly Bánh Mì with Spicy Mayo and Fresh Herbs
Savor slices of pan-fried pork belly with crispy edges layered with spicy mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro on a light Vietnamese baguette. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 30 minutes pairs 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 cup, julienned daikon radish
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 medium-sized Vietnamese baguette
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/2, thinly sliced cucumber
- 1, thinly sliced jalapeno
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb pork belly slices evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork belly slices and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until edges are crispy and pork is cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce in a small bowl to make spicy mayo.
- Step 4: Prepare pickled vegetables by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl until dissolved. Add 1 cup julienned daikon radish and 1 medium julienned carrot. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Slice 2 Vietnamese baguettes lengthwise, keeping one side hinged. Spread spicy mayo evenly inside each baguette.
- Step 6: Layer pan-fried pork belly slices, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 1/2 sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup pickled vegetable mixture, and thinly sliced jalapeno inside each baguette. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Pork Belly Bánh Mì with Spicy Mayo and Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly Bánh Mì with Spicy Mayo and Fresh Herbs?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Belly Bánh Mì with Spicy Mayo and Fresh Herbs?
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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly Bánh Mì with Spicy Mayo and Fresh Herbs 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly Bánh Mì with Spicy Mayo and Fresh Herbs?
Vietnamese vietnamese 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My go-to recipe for entertaining. Everyone raved!
- ★★★★★
The pork belly was so crispy and the herbs added the perfect freshness.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight, quick and delicious.