Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Banh Mi

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich pork belly glazed with tangy tamarind sauce, layered with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs inside a crusty baguette for a Vietnamese sandwich. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 65 minutes pairs tamarind paste, brown sugar, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves until combined. Toss 1 lb cubed pork belly in this glaze and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork belly and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through, about 15 minutes total. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar with 1 cup julienned daikon radish and 1 julienned carrot in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to pickle slightly.
  4. Step 4: Slice 1 large baguette into 4 pieces and lightly toast.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise evenly on the inside of each baguette piece. Layer with tamarind-glazed pork belly, pickled vegetables, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and thin slices of 1 small jalapeño.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, enjoying the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Banh Mi take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 min prep + 20 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Banh Mi?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Banh Mi?

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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Banh Mi 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Banh Mi?

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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