Pork Belly Banh Mi

Pork Belly Banh Mi is a dish that combines many of the finest aspects of life and squeezes them into a single, astonishingly flavorful sandwich. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

It begins with a crusty roll that is soft in the center. Then you stack on flavorful-sweet, crispy hoisin-glazed pork belly, tangy pickled daikon and carrots, slices of fiery jalapeño, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, along with a dollop of creamy-spicy sriracha mayo. Incredibly delicious.

The Ultimate Pork Belly Banh Mi Recipe

Regarding the banh mi sandwich, there is ample opportunity for creativity and variation. Peruse the menu of any Vietnamese sandwich shop and you’ll encounter a vast array of banh mi fillings ranging from classic roast pork or lemongrass chicken to roast beef, tofu, tuna salad, fried shrimp, and beyond.

Crispy pork belly is arguably one of the most delectable meats in the world, making it a clear choice for the most scrumptious sandwich. I prepared Air Fryer Pork Belly with a sticky, sweet-savory hoisin glaze.

Why you’ll adore this pork belly banh mi recipe

The pork belly banh mi is among my all-time favorite foods. And even though it’s been part of my life for years, I continue to be astonished at how many people haven’t experienced a banh mi sandwich yet.

The flavor pairing of salty meat, specifically crispy pork belly, along with fresh herbs, pickled veggies, spicy peppers, and creamy mayo—encased in a perfectly crispy French roll—well, it’s divine.

Ingredients You Require

For a complete list of components with measurements and detailed preparation and cooking instructions, please refer to the recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.

This delectable Vietnamese sandwich is layered with numerous flavors and textures. Here is what you will need:

• Sriracha mayo—You can purchase sriracha mayo, or simply mix equal parts mayonnaise and sriracha. You could swap in chili sauce, chili paste, or any other hot sauce if you prefer. You can also incorporate a dash of fish sauce or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
• Rolls—Vietnamese baguettes are crusty on the outside yet not as chewy as most traditional French-style baguettes. If the outer crust is too tough, the sandwich becomes challenging to consume. Look for French-style rolls that are crusty yet soft enough. The rolls I utilized here come from the bakery at Safeway.
• Jalapeno pepper—Slices of fresh, spicy jalapeño peppers impart heat and crunch to the sandwich.
• Pork belly—I utilize Air Fryer Pork Belly with hoisin glaze, but any cooked pork belly will suffice. Ideally, select pork belly that’s pleasantly crisp on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. You could use smoked pork belly, Char Siu, or any kind of roasted pork shoulder for the filling.
• Cilantro—Fresh cilantro leaves are essential for a good banh mi in my opinion, but you can also add other herbs or substitute them if cilantro isn’t to your liking. I frequently include mint or basil in addition to cilantro.
• Pickled daikon and pickled carrot—Equally as important as all the other components—fresh herbs, sliced chile peppers, and crusty bread—pickled daikon provides one of the key elements that give a banh mi sandwich its distinct layers of flavors and textures. I prepare homemade Pickled Daikon and Carrots, which are quick and easy to create.

How to Prepare It

For a complete list of components with measurements and detailed prep and cooking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Crafting a banh mi sandwich is virtually identical to constructing any sandwich. You begin with bread and layer in the ingredients. That’s all there is to it! Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Slice the pork belly and jalapeño peppers.
2. Split the rolls and lightly toast them.
3. Combine the mayo and sriracha (unless utilizing pre-made sriracha mayo) and evenly spread it on the toasted buns—whatever amount you desire! I prefer a generous amount!
4. Add a layer of pork belly, followed by a few jalapeño slices, some of the pickled carrots and daikon radish, and the fresh herbs.

That’s all! Prepare to be amazed by the world’s most delectable sandwich!

How to Serve Pork Belly Banh Mi

You truly don’t need anything to accompany a pork belly banh mi. It’s a complete meal on its own. However, if you wish, consider adding a Japanese Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Kimchi, or Spicy Cucumber Salad. Or, hear me out, simply include a Dirty Martini and that’s it!

You can use nearly any filling you prefer in place of the pork belly. Experiment with a vegetarian option featuring Crispy Tofu and Thai Peanut Sauce. Alternatively, use Thai Turkey Meatballs or Smoked Pork Butt for the stuffing. If you’re looking for other Vietnamese recipes to explore, these Vietnamese Salad Rolls are vegan and utterly scrumptious.

Another fantastic hearty sandwich selection is a Tex-Mex Cheese Steak Sandwich.