Vietnamese Crispy Baguette Sandwich with Grilled Pork

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

A crunchy Vietnamese baguette filled with savory lemongrass grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs for a satisfying traditional banh mi experience. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, stalks, finely minced lemongrass, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced pork shoulder with 2 minced lemongrass stalks, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix 1 medium julienned carrot, 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish with 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Let pickle for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Slice 2 small Vietnamese baguettes lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Toast the bread lightly until crispy on the outside.
  5. Step 5: Spread 2 tbsp mayonnaise evenly inside each baguette. Layer the grilled pork, pickled carrot and daikon mixture, 1/2 sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves. Add 1 tbsp chili sauce if desired for spice.
  6. Step 6: Close the sandwich and press gently to compact. Serve immediately for a crunchy, savory Vietnamese sandwich experience.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese Crispy Baguette Sandwich with Grilled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Vietnamese Crispy Baguette Sandwich with Grilled Pork?

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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Crispy Baguette Sandwich with Grilled Pork?

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 Vietnamese Crispy Baguette Sandwich with Grilled Pork 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 Vietnamese Crispy Baguette Sandwich with Grilled Pork?

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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