Authentic Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette)

Why Make This Recipe

Bánh Mì is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that pairs a crispy baguette with tasty fillings. Making this dish at home is a fun way to enjoy its fresh flavors. Whether you want a quick lunch or a tasty snack, bánh mì offers a fantastic mix of ingredients that can satisfy anyone’s cravings.

How to Make Authentic Bánh Mì

Ingredients

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 300ml water
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pork or tofu (for filling)
  • Pickled veggies (carrots, daikon)
  • Cucumber (sliced)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Jalapeños (sliced)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Soy sauce

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Gradually add water to form a dough.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
  5. Shape the risen dough into baguettes and place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
  7. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
  8. Fill the baguettes with sliced pork or tofu, pickled veggies, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, and a spread of mayonnaise and soy sauce.
  9. Serve and enjoy your homemade bánh mì!

How to Serve Authentic Bánh Mì

Serve your bánh mì fresh and warm right after you fill it. You can cut it in half or enjoy it whole. It pairs well with a side of Vietnamese iced coffee or fresh spring rolls.

How to Store Authentic Bánh Mì

To store bánh mì, keep the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the unbaked dough. When ready to eat, bake the baguettes and prepare your filling fresh to keep it tasty.

Tips to Make Authentic Bánh Mì

  • Make sure your dough is well-kneaded and elastic for a better texture.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place to help it double in size faster.
  • Experiment with pickled veggies to find the flavor combination you enjoy most.
  • Always use fresh ingredients for the fillings to enhance the taste.

Variation

You can switch up the fillings based on your preference. Try using grilled chicken, seafood, or even a vegan option with mushrooms. You can also add different herbs or sauces to customize your bánh mì.

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, using bread flour can give your bánh mì a chewier texture.

2. How do I make pickled veggies?
To make quick pickles, slice carrots and daikon, then soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and water for about an hour.

3. Can I make bánh mì gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the baguette. Just make sure to follow the proper measurements for gluten-free baking.

Bánh Mì

A delicious Vietnamese sandwich featuring a crispy baguette filled with savory ingredients, perfect for lunch or a snack.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Bread Ingredients
  • 500 g all-purpose flour
  • 300 ml water
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
  • 250 g Pork or tofu For filling
  • 1 cup Pickled veggies (carrots, daikon)
  • 1 medium Cucumber Sliced
  • 1 bunch Fresh cilantro
  • 2 slices Jalapeños Sliced
  • 4 tablespoons Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Gradually add water to form a dough.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise for 60-120 minutes until doubled in size.
Baking the Baguettes
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
  2. Shape the risen dough into baguettes and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
  4. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
Assembling the Bánh Mì
  1. Fill the baguettes with sliced pork or tofu, pickled veggies, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, and a spread of mayonnaise and soy sauce.
  2. Serve and enjoy your homemade bánh mì!

Notes

Serve your bánh mì fresh and warm right after you fill it. You can cut it in half or enjoy it whole. It pairs well with a side of Vietnamese iced coffee or fresh spring rolls. Store bánh mì in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze the unbaked dough for longer storage.