Central African Spiced Meat Baguette

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese Bánh mì giò thủ typically uses pork as the main protein, this adaptation for Central African cuisine incorporates a variety of meats commonly found in the region, such as beef, chicken, or goat. Additionally, the spices used in the marinade are influenced by Central African flavors, adding a distinct and aromatic twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bánh mì giò thủ, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) meat (beef, chicken, or goat) 500g (1.1 lb) meat (beef, chicken, or goat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 baguettes 4 baguettes
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the meat to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Grill the marinated meat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
6. 6.
   Slice the baguettes lengthwise and lightly toast them.
7. 7.
   Layer the sliced meat, onion, cucumber, and cilantro leaves on the baguettes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Central African Spiced Meat Baguettes immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Meat — For the best results, choose a tender cut of meat such as sirloin or chicken breast. Ensure the meat is thinly sliced for even cooking.
• Baguettes — Look for fresh, crusty baguettes with a soft interior. If unavailable, you can substitute with any long bread rolls.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different spice combinations to suit your taste preferences.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of spices used in the marinade.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Customize your baguette by adding pickled vegetables or a dollop of spicy mayonnaise.

Serving advice

Serve the Central African Spiced Meat Baguettes as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the baguettes into smaller portions and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and serve with toothpicks for easy handling.