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BAHN MI FEATURED IMAGE
Those Vegan Chefs

Banh Mi Sandwich

5 from 1 vote
The Vegan Tofu Banh Mi—a mouthwatering twist on the original, showcasing the versatility and flavor potential of plant-based ingredients.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Marinating time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
Calories: 495
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Daikon & Carrot Pickle
  • 1 pound daikon radish
  • 1 carrot large
  • 1 tsp salt kosher
  • 1 ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup cane sugar
Char Siu Tofu
Black vinegar Brine
  • 14 oz tofu firm, pressed
  • ¼ cup black vinegar
  • 1 tsp cane sugar
  • ½ tsp salt kosher
Char Siu Sauce
  • ¼ tsp Chinese five-spice
  • 1 Tbsp sweet soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp ketchup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp sesame oil toasted
Bread For Banh Mi
  • 4 bolillo rolls or small French baguette
Garnish
  • 1 vegan mayo recipe
  • 2-3 jalapeño chilies sliced thinly
  • 1 English cucumber sliced thinly
  • 1 bunch cilantro leaves

Method
 

How to make Pickled Daikon & Carrot
  1. Peel and cut the carrots and daikon into sticks. About 3 inches long and ¼ inch thick.
  2. Combine salt, 2 Tbsp sugar, daikon, and carrots. Massaging and rubbing the vegetables with salt and sugar. Allow to rest for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse the vegetables with cold water. Place the vegetables in a bowl or jar.
  4. Combine the water, vinegar, and the rest of the sugar. Stir to dissolve.
  5. Combine the liquid and the vegetable. Refrigerate for up to 6 days.
How to make Char Siu Tofu
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
  2. Cut the tofu into ¼ strips. Score the tofu cutting ⅛ inch deep creating a diamond shape.
  3. Combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve.
  4. Place the tofu in a baking dish. Pour the black vinegar mixture, and flip the tofu after 10 minutes.
  5. Place the portioned tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes, the goal is to dehydrate the tofu. This will intensify the flavors.
How to Make Char Siu Sauce
  1. Combine all of the ingredients, mixing to combine.
  2. Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees.
  3. Use a pastry brush to coat the tofu's top and bottom with the Char Siu sauce.
  4. Cook the tofu until a little crispy on the edges.
  5. Save a few tablespoons to drizzle on the bread.
  6. Set aside
Building The Banh Mi
  1. Heat the roll until crispy on the outside.
  2. Allow the bread to cool for 1 minute before cutting it in half, make sure to not cut the all the way in half, and leave the backside intact.
  3. Remove some of the bread in the middle of the bread, creating a little channel.
  4. Spread a generous amount of vegan mayo on both sides of the bread.
  5. Drizzle some of the char siu on both sides of the bread.
  6. Place the tofu on the bread, then a layer of cucumber, and pickled vegetables, followed by the sliced jalapeño and cilantro leaves.

Notes

Nutritional values are an estimate.