Pan-Seared Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwiches

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

Tender pan-seared pork belly slices stacked in crusty baguettes with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs to replicate a classic Vietnamese street food sandwich. This vietnamese-inspired street food ready in about 45 minutes pairs 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 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish. Toss to coat and let pickle at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Season 1 lb pork belly slices with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork belly slices and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on edges.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce for a spicy spread.
  5. Step 5: Slice 4 small baguette rolls lengthwise but not all the way through. Spread Sriracha mayo evenly inside each roll.
  6. Step 6: Layer cooked pork belly slices, pickled carrot-daikon mixture (drained), thinly sliced 1 small cucumber, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves inside each baguette. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwiches take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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-Seared Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwiches?

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 pork belly slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwiches?

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-Seared Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwiches for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Seared Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwiches?

Vietnamese street food 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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