Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich

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

A flavorful grilled pork sandwich with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy mayo, combining savory and tangy elements for a satisfying brunch. This vietnamese-inspired brunch ready in about 50 minutes combines pork shoulder, thinly sliced, lemongrass stalk, garlic cloves into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced pork shoulder, 1 finely minced lemongrass stalk, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce to create spicy mayo.
  4. Step 4: Lightly toast 2 split baguette rolls until crisp on the outside.
  5. Step 5: Spread spicy mayo evenly inside each baguette half. Layer grilled pork, 1 cup pickled carrots and daikon, 1/2 cup cucumber slices, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro inside the rolls.
  6. Step 6: Close sandwiches, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately for a flavorful brunch experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich?

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-Inspired Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich 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-Inspired Grilled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich?

Vietnamese brunch 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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