Stir-Fried Tofu Bánh Mì with Pickled Daikon and Carrots
A vegetarian take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich featuring savory stir-fried tofu, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a crunchy baguette. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, julienned carrots
- 1 cup, julienned daikon radish
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1, thinly sliced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1, 10-inch French baguette
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare pickled vegetables by combining 1 cup julienned carrots and 1 cup julienned daikon radish with 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl; stir until sugar dissolves and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz cubed firm tofu and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil; cook for another 2 minutes until tofu is well coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Slice the 10-inch French baguette lengthwise, toast lightly until crisp.
- Step 6: Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise evenly on the inside of the baguette; layer the stir-fried tofu, 1/2 cup pickled vegetables, 1 thinly sliced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves.
- Step 7: Close the sandwich gently, press slightly, and serve immediately for a fresh vegetarian bánh mì bursting with flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu Bánh Mì with Pickled Daikon and Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Tofu Bánh Mì with Pickled Daikon and Carrots?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu Bánh Mì with Pickled Daikon and Carrots?
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 Stir-Fried Tofu Bánh Mì with Pickled Daikon and Carrots 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 Stir-Fried Tofu Bánh Mì with Pickled Daikon and Carrots 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the balance of flavors. The tofu was so flavorful and the bánh mì was fresh.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The pickled veggies added the perfect crunch and tang.
- ★★★★☆
The recipe was great, but the pickling time was a bit long for a weeknight. Still delicious though!
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