Bánh mì giò thủ - Vietnamese Pork Pate Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk
• 1 baguette 1 baguette
• 1 cup (150g) pickled carrots and daikon radish 1 cup (150g) pickled carrots and daikon radish
• Fresh cilantro leaves Fresh cilantro leaves
• Sliced cucumbers Sliced cucumbers

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, chopped shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, five-spice powder, and coconut milk. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Transfer the pork mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
4. 4.
   Slice the baguette lengthwise, leaving one side intact to create a pocket for the filling.
5. 5.
   Spread a generous amount of the pork pate inside the baguette.
6. 6.
   Place the baguette on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pate is heated through and the baguette is crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the baguette from the oven and let it cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Fill the baguette with pickled carrots and daikon radish, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced cucumbers.
9. 9.
   Slice the sandwich into individual portions and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a small amount of minced lemongrass to the pork mixture.
• Baguette — Look for a crusty baguette with a light and airy interior. If you can't find a traditional Vietnamese baguette, a French baguette will work as well.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a few drops of Sriracha or chili sauce to the pork pate mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pork pate with a tofu or tempeh spread.
• Experiment with different pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions or jalapenos, to add variety to your sandwich.
• To achieve the perfect crust on the baguette, lightly spray it with water before baking.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pickled carrots and daikon radish instead of making them from scratch.

Serving advice

Serve the Bánh mì giò thủ sandwich as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side of Vietnamese-style coleslaw or a light green salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the sandwich into smaller, bite-sized portions and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a pop of color.