Banh Mi Recipe: 4 Variations of the Classic Vietnamese Breakfast

The pork banh mi recipe is the most traditional and well-loved version of this sandwich. It combines marinated pork with crunchy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a soft yet crispy baguette. The balance of flavors and textures makes it unforgettable.

Ingredients:

- 1 French baguette

- 200 g pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp fish sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 small cucumber, sliced

- Pickled carrots and daikon

- Fresh cilantro

- 2 tbsp mayonnaise

- 1 small chili (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and oil. Add the pork slices and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the pork until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 8–10 minutes.

3. Slice the baguette lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. Lightly toast the bread to make it warm and crunchy.

4. Spread mayonnaise inside the baguette. Then layer in the cooked pork, cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro.

5. Add chili slices if you like extra heat. Close the baguette and press gently so everything stays in place.

6. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich flavors of the classic banh mi.

For those who do not eat pork, the chicken banh mi recipe is an excellent choice. It is lighter but still full of flavor and texture. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the pickled vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients:

- 1 French baguette

- 200 g chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp fish sauce

- 1 tbsp honey

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

- Pickled carrots and daikon

- Fresh cilantro

- 1 small cucumber, sliced

- 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, garlic, and oil in a bowl. Add chicken slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.

3. Slice the baguette lengthwise and toast it lightly until it's warm and crunchy.

4. Spread mayonnaise on the inside of the bread. Layer in the cooked chicken, cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro.

5. Close the baguette gently, pressing down so the fillings stay in place.

6. Enjoy your chicken banh mi recipe, a fresh and flavorful alternative to the classic version.

The beef banh mi recipe is another delicious variation that is rich and savory. The marinated beef gives the sandwich a deep, hearty flavor while still keeping the freshness of the herbs and pickled vegetables. It is a great choice for those who enjoy a more robust taste.

Ingredients:

- 1 French baguette

- 200 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp oyster sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 tsp black pepper

- Pickled carrots and daikon

- Fresh cilantro

- 1 small cucumber, sliced

- 2 tbsp mayonnaise

- 1 small chili (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, oil, and black pepper. Add the beef slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.

2. Heat a pan over high heat and quickly stir-fry the beef until it is cooked through but still tender, about 4–6 minutes. Do not overcook, as beef can become tough.

3. Slice the baguette lengthwise and toast it lightly so it is warm and crispy on the outside.

4. Spread mayonnaise inside the baguette. Layer in the cooked beef, cucumber slices, pickled carrots and daikon, and fresh cilantro.

5. Add chili slices if you want some extra spice. Gently press the sandwich closed so the fillings stay together.

6. Serve and enjoy your tasty and juicy beef banh mi.

The tofu banh mi recipe is perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a meat-free option. Tofu absorbs flavors very well, and when combined with fresh vegetables and herbs, it creates a sandwich that is both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

- 1 French baguette

- 200 g firm tofu, sliced into thick pieces

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp sesame oil

- 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- Pickled carrots and daikon

- Fresh cilantro

- 1 small cucumber, sliced

- Vegan mayonnaise

- 1 small chili (optional)

Instructions:

1. Press the tofu to remove extra water. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, and garlic. Marinate the tofu slices for at least 20 minutes.

2. Heat a pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides, about 3–5 minutes per side.

3. Slice and toast the baguette until warm and crunchy.

4. Spread vegan mayonnaise inside the bread. Add tofu slices, cucumber, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro.

5. Add chili if you like some spice. Close the sandwich gently and press so the ingredients stay together.

6. Your tofu banh mi recipe is ready to enjoy.