Homemade Banh Mi Sandwiches: A Flavorful Journey with House of Tsang
Embark on a culinary adventure with these incredible Banh Mi Sandwiches, brimming with bold and authentic Asian flavors. Featuring succulent pork tenderloin expertly marinated in House of Tsang Szechuan SpicyTM Sauce and crowned with a vibrant vegetable coleslaw dressed in their exquisite Bangkok Peanut SauceTM, this recipe promises a symphony of tastes and textures. A generous sprinkle of crunchy peanuts completes this perfect, homemade Banh Mi experience.
Greetings from Florida! While the sunshine might be playing hide-and-seek today, our recent family trip has been absolutely wonderful and much-needed. Thanks to a generous timeshare trade from our in-laws, we’ve been enjoying a spacious condo, perfect for our lively group of eight. It’s only day four, but my kids have already experienced the thrill of the beach for the very first time, braved the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and even embarked on a memorable gator hunt. I personally checked an airboat ride off my bucket list – such an exhilarating experience! And, for a first, I single-handedly cracked open a lobster and savored every delicious bite. Vacation truly is a delight, especially when it involves warm weather and sandy beaches, a welcome escape from the Midwest chill. Sharing these moments with the entire family makes it even more special, though the real test of endurance comes on the last day, wouldn’t you agree?
With the boys currently off on a fishing expedition, I’m tackling some work I promised myself I’d finish before leaving. My tendency to procrastinate often gets the better of me; I had grand plans to schedule at least six blog posts before our departure, hoping for a completely work-free week. But if you know me, you know that’s almost an impossible feat. I’m always on the go, finding it hard to sit still. I’m not the friend you call for a quiet movie night or an afternoon lost in a book, unless it’s a food magazine that inspires a million new culinary ideas. Indulging in a story while sitting still just isn’t my style.
So, on this beautifully overcast Florida day, I find myself happily working on the blog. It’s a joy to bring you fresh content, even if it means catching up on my schedule. The sun is currently veiled by clouds, my daughter is absorbed in her new toys, and the rest of the family is out exploring the ocean. We were told she might not do well on the boat, but I’d beg to differ! Still, it meant more time for us to enjoy some shopping. These quiet moments allow me to focus on sharing exciting new recipes with you, and today, it’s all about the irresistible Banh Mi.
Discovering the Irresistible Banh Mi Sandwich
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to these incredible Banh Mi Sandwiches. I confess, I might be one of the last people on Earth to try a Banh Mi, and I honestly don’t know what took me so long! This sandwich is an absolute revelation, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds. For me, it evokes the fresh, vibrant essence of a spring roll, but nestled within the comforting embrace of a crispy baguette – and who can resist a spring roll?
Originating from Vietnam, the Banh Mi is a testament to culinary fusion, beautifully combining French colonial influences with traditional Vietnamese ingredients. The result is a sandwich celebrated worldwide for its perfect balance of savory meats, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a smear of rich pâté or mayonnaise, all tucked into a light, crusty baguette. While traditionally featuring pâté or various cold cuts, our version puts a delicious spin on this classic, making it incredibly simple and accessible for the home cook.
You might look at these Banh Mi Sandwiches and assume a lengthy list of ingredients and complex steps, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The secret lies in the incredible depth of flavor packed into House of Tsang® sauces. They do the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with authentic Asian essence, requiring you to simply add some marinated meat, fresh vegetables, and a delicious baguette to create a masterpiece.
Crafting Your Perfect Banh Mi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Our journey to the perfect Banh Mi begins with the star protein: succulent pork tenderloin. I started by marinating a pound of pork tenderloin in a generous cup of House of Tsang’s® Szechuan SpicyTM Sauce. This marinade is a game-changer, infusing the pork with layers of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that are utterly irresistible. For maximum flavor penetration, I highly recommend allowing it to marinate in the refrigerator for a full 24 hours. The longer the marinade, the deeper the flavor profile will be, transforming simple pork into a truly exceptional experience.
Once marinated, the pork tenderloin is ready for cooking. Preheat your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated pork into a baking pan and cook for approximately 1 hour, or until an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers a perfect 145°F (63°C). Achieving this temperature ensures the pork is cooked through yet remains tender and juicy. After cooking, it’s crucial to remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice.
While the pork tenderloin is resting and its flavors are settling, it’s time to prepare the vibrant, crunchy elements that define a great Banh Mi. Very thinly slice fresh cucumbers, carrots, and radishes. The thinness is key here, ensuring delicate texture in every bite. Toss these colorful vegetables into a bowl. Next, finely chop some fresh mint and add it to the vegetable mix. This adds a refreshing burst of flavor that beautifully complements the richer elements of the sandwich. Don’t forget a handful of chopped peanuts for that essential textural crunch that elevates the whole experience.
Now, for the exquisite dressing that binds our vegetable coleslaw. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of one fresh lime – its zesty acidity is vital for balance – and ¼ cup of House of Tsang® Bangkok Peanut SauceTM. This sauce is a marvel, offering a rich, nutty, and slightly spicy profile that perfectly coats the vegetables. Pour this delectable dressing over your prepared veggies and mint, then mix gently to ensure every piece is coated. The Bangkok Peanut SauceTM truly brings an authentic Asian street food vibe to this coleslaw, making it a standout component.
No Banh Mi is complete without the perfect baguette. Select a fresh French baguette with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Slice it into four equal portions and then slice each portion lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a hinge. Place these baguette pieces under the broiler for just a minute to achieve a light golden toast. This slight toasting adds another layer of texture and warmth. A clever trick: gently scoop out some of the soft interior from the bottom half of the bun. This not only “saves carbs” (as the original author playfully notes) but, more importantly, creates ample room for all the delicious fillings, ensuring a well-proportioned sandwich that doesn’t overflow.
Once the pork tenderloin has fully rested and is ready, thinly slice it against the grain. Aim for delicate, bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat. Place about 3-4 slices of the tender, flavorful pork onto the prepared baguette. Next, generously pile the peanut veggie coleslaw on top of the pork. The visual appeal alone is enough to make your mouth water! Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves for an added burst of freshness and a vibrant green color. For an extra layer of crunch, sprinkle a few more chopped peanuts over the top. Finally, gently place the top half of the baguette onto the sandwich. To keep everything neatly in place, especially if you’re serving these for a gathering, insert a toothpick through the center. And just like that, you’re ready to dive into your first homemade Banh Mi Sandwich – an experience that I guarantee will be nothing short of extraordinary!
I’ve encountered countless recipes, magazine articles, and stunning pictures of Banh Mi over the years, but I had never had the pleasure of actually tasting one until now. And oh my goodness, was it worth the wait! This sandwich truly has everything I could ever want and more. I absolutely adore a sandwich that’s generously packed with fresh vegetables, perfectly cooked lean meat, and who can resist a luscious peanut sauce? House of Tsang® has truly outdone themselves with their Bangkok Peanut SauceTM. It delivers a delightful, subtle spiciness that beautifully complements the other components of the sandwich, while the lime juice adds that essential bright, sour citrus note, cutting through the richness and leaving a refreshing taste. The combination of the Szechuan SpicyTM marinated pork, the crunchy peanut coleslaw, and the fresh herbs in a toasted baguette creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is deeply satisfying and utterly addictive. This recipe is an undeniable winner, promising to become a regular in your kitchen.
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Spicy Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches
Prep Time
Cook Time
Total Time
Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yields 4 sandwiches
These Banh Mi Sandwiches are a vibrant explosion of Asian flavors. Tender pork is marinated in House of Tsang Szechuan SpicyTM Sauce, topped with a crisp vegetable coleslaw dressed in Bangkok Peanut SauceTM, and garnished with crunchy peanuts for the ultimate homemade Vietnamese sandwich experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 cup House of Tsang® Szechuan SpicyTM Sauce (for marinating)
- 1 French baguette, cut into 4 equal portions and sliced open
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (for ginger mayo)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated (for ginger mayo)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 radishes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup House of Tsang® Bangkok Peanut SauceTM (for coleslaw dressing)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- A few sprigs of fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork: In a resealable bag or a shallow dish, place the pork tenderloin. Pour in 1 cup of House of Tsang® Szechuan SpicyTM Sauce, ensuring the pork is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, and ideally up to 24 hours (overnight) for best flavor.
- Cook the Pork: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After marinating, transfer the pork tenderloin to a baking pan. Cook for approximately 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
- Prepare the Peanut Coleslaw Dressing: While the pork is resting, combine the juice of 1 lime and 1/4 cup House of Tsang® Bangkok Peanut SauceTM in a small bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber, carrots, radishes, and chopped fresh mint. Pour the peanut sauce dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Prepare the Ginger Mayonnaise (Optional but Recommended): In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger. Mix well. Spread about 1 tablespoon of this ginger mayonnaise onto the bottom bun of each of the 4 baguette pieces.
- Toast the Baguettes: Lightly toast the sliced baguette portions under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden, then remove some of the soft interior from the bottom bun to create more space for fillings.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the pork is fully rested, thinly slice it against the grain. Place 3-4 pieces of sliced pork on top of the ginger mayonnaise (or directly on the bun if omitting mayo). Generously top the pork with the peanut vegetable coleslaw. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and additional chopped peanuts for extra crunch. Place the top bun on each sandwich.
- Serve and Enjoy: Insert a toothpick through the center of each sandwich to hold it together, and serve immediately. Enjoy your incredibly flavorful homemade Banh Mi Sandwiches!
Courses Sandwich, Main Course, Lunch
For those eager to explore a wider range of exquisite Asian flavors, I highly encourage you to visit the House of Tsang®website. Discover their full line of incredible products, which will empower you to create your very own authentic Banh Mi Sandwiches and countless other delicious Asian-inspired dishes at home. While you’re there, be sure to check out their extensive recipe page for even more inspiration to bring the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine directly into your kitchen!
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Thank you to House of Tsang® for generously sponsoring this post and making these incredible flavors possible.