Grilled Chicken Bánh mì with Tunisian Twist

Ingredients

This Tunisian-inspired version of Bánh mì incorporates Tunisian spices such as cumin, coriander, and harissa into the marinade for the grilled chicken. Additionally, the traditional Vietnamese pickled vegetables are enhanced with Tunisian flavors, using ingredients like preserved lemon or olives. The sauce is also modified to include harissa, garlic, and olive oil, giving it a spicy and tangy twist. We alse have the original recipe for Bánh mì gà nướng, so you can check it out.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (400g) 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (400g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin (4g) 2 teaspoons ground cumin (4g)
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander (4g) 2 teaspoons ground coriander (4g)
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste (5g) 1 teaspoon harissa paste (5g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 small baguettes 2 small baguettes
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 daikon radish, julienned 1 daikon radish, julienned
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (60ml) 1/4 cup rice vinegar (60ml)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (12g) 1 tablespoon sugar (12g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g) 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60g) 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60g)
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste (5g) 1 teaspoon harissa paste (5g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugar: 7g)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground coriander, harissa paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the julienned carrot, julienned daikon radish, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to pickle.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, harissa paste, and minced garlic to make the spicy sauce.
6. 6.
   Slice the baguettes in half lengthwise. Spread the spicy sauce on both sides of the bread.
7. 7.
   Layer the grilled chicken slices on the bottom half of the baguette. Top with the pickled vegetables and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Close the sandwich and press it gently. Cut into smaller portions, if desired.
9. 9.
   Serve the Tunisian-Inspired Grilled Chicken Bánh mì immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with the marinade for maximum flavor. If using bone-in chicken, adjust the grilling time accordingly.
• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Baguette — Look for a crusty baguette with a soft interior for the perfect texture in the sandwich.
• Pickled vegetables — Allow the pickled vegetables to sit for at least 15-20 minutes to develop their tangy flavor. You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
• Fresh cilantro — Use fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant and herbaceous taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a Tunisian twist, add preserved lemon or olives to the pickled vegetables.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add extra harissa paste to the spicy sauce.
• Experiment with different Tunisian spices in the marinade, such as paprika or turmeric, to customize the flavor profile.
• If you can't find daikon radish, substitute it with regular radishes or cucumber.
• To make it more filling, add sliced avocado or a fried egg to the sandwich.

Serving advice

Serve the Tunisian-Inspired Grilled Chicken Bánh mì as a complete meal or cut into smaller portions for appetizers or party snacks. Pair it with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, wrap the sandwich in parchment paper or butcher's paper, securing it with twine or a decorative sticker. This will give it a rustic and inviting look, perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.