Vietnamese Pork Bahn Mi with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Vietnamese sandwich layering savory marinated pork with crunchy pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro in a crisp baguette. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, soy sauce, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare quick pickled vegetables by mixing 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a jar until dissolved. Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 cup julienned daikon radish, letting them soak for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated pork slices for 4-5 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Slice 4 small baguette rolls lengthwise and lightly toast until warm and crisp.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise evenly inside each baguette, then layer with cooked pork, drained pickled vegetables, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 1 small thinly sliced jalapeño if using.
  6. Step 6: Close the sandwiches, press gently, and serve immediately for a fresh and savory Vietnamese pork banh mi.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese Pork Bahn Mi with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro 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 Pork Bahn Mi with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro?

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 Pork Bahn Mi with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro?

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 Pork Bahn Mi with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro 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 Vietnamese Pork Bahn Mi with Pickled Vegetables and Cilantro?

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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