Vietnamese-style Focaccia

Ingredients

While the original Italian focaccia is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, this Vietnamese-style version incorporates traditional banh mi ingredients such as pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and a tangy sauce. The fusion of flavors adds a refreshing twist to the classic bread, making it perfect for those who enjoy the vibrant tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 350ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water 350ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water
• 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) pickled carrots and daikon 100g (3.5 oz) pickled carrots and daikon
• 100g (3.5 oz) thinly sliced cucumber 100g (3.5 oz) thinly sliced cucumber
• 100g (3.5 oz) cooked and sliced pork or chicken 100g (3.5 oz) cooked and sliced pork or chicken
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Sriracha or chili sauce, for serving Sriracha or chili sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press the dough evenly to cover the entire sheet.
7. 7.
   Arrange the pickled carrots and daikon, sliced cucumber, and cooked meat on top of the dough.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
10. 10.
    Slice the focaccia into squares or rectangles and serve with sriracha or chili sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pickled Carrots and Daikon — If you can't find pre-made pickled carrots and daikon, you can make your own by julienning carrots and daikon radish and marinating them in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for a few hours.
• Cooked Meat — Feel free to use leftover roasted pork or grilled chicken for this recipe. You can also substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add thinly sliced jalapenos or Thai bird's eye chilies to the topping.
• Experiment with different meats such as grilled lemongrass beef or roasted duck for varied flavors.
• If you prefer a softer texture, brush the baked focaccia with a mixture of melted butter and garlic before serving.
• Customize the toppings with other banh mi ingredients like pâté, mayonnaise, or sliced jalapenos.
• This Vietnamese-style focaccia is perfect for picnics or as a unique appetizer for parties.

Serving advice

Serve the Banh Mi Focaccia warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a bowl of Vietnamese pho or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro leaves on top of the focaccia before serving. You can also drizzle a little extra sriracha or chili sauce in an artistic pattern for added visual appeal.