Bánh mì Chả Lụa with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 baguette 1 baguette
• Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish, cucumber) Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish, cucumber)
• Fresh cilantro leaves Fresh cilantro leaves
• Fresh mint leaves Fresh mint leaves
• Spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha sauce) Spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha sauce)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, five-spice powder, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Cook the marinated pork slices until they are cooked through and slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Slice the baguette lengthwise and lightly toast it.
6. 6.
   Spread the spicy mayo on both sides of the baguette.
7. 7.
   Layer the cooked pork slices, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves on the baguette.
8. 8.
   Cut the sandwich into individual portions and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, thinly slice the pork shoulder against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Pickled vegetables — You can make the pickled vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they become.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly pickle the pork slices in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt before grilling them.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as a crusty French baguette or a softer Vietnamese baguette, to find your preferred texture.
• Customize your Bánh mì Chả Lụa by adding additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños or pâté for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Bánh mì Chả Lụa immediately after assembling to ensure the bread remains crispy and the flavors are at their peak. Pair it with a side of Vietnamese-style coleslaw or a light salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the dish, garnish the Bánh mì Chả Lụa with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a vibrant plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the pickled vegetables.