Lunchbox Bahn Mi Sandwich

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Sometimes, the typical sandwich options feel so drab, and you’re craving something different. Why not spice things up with this recipe? Inspired by the classic banh mi, we’ve made this sandwich packed-lunch friendly without sacrificing any taste or freshness. You can put it together for your lunch first thing in the morning before work or school, or even take it for a picnic. Make it spicy if you’d like, or leave it plain savory. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and easy sandwich. 

 

Ingredients:

1 French baguette 

1 package ham cold cuts of your choice (unsweetened varieties work the best)

 

For the pickled vegetables:

1 small carrot, shredded

1 small cucumber, sliced thin

1 T green onions, thinly sliced

1 T unseasoned rice vinegar

1 T sugar

¼ tsp salt

 

For the sauce:

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 tsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp sriracha (optional)

 

For garnish:

Chopped cilantro

Chopped mint (optional)

Sliced jalapenos (optional)

 

Instructions:

 

Before you get started making your sandwich, quick-pickle your vegetables. 

 

Shred your carrots, slice your cucumbers and green onions. Put them in an airtight container with your rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Set them aside for 30 minutes before you add them to your sandwich. (Note: If you’re packing this sandwich for your lunch, I recommend putting a serving of the quick-pickled vegetables in a separate container and adding them to your sandwich before you eat it. This will keep your banh mi from being soggy by the time you sit down for lunch.)

 

In a small bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sriracha. Set it aside. 

 

Slice your baguette lengthwise and add a dollop of your sauce onto both sides of the bread.

Layer your ham on the bottom, then add your quick-pickled vegetables. (Or pop them in a small container for later)

 

Roughly chop your cilantro and sprinkle it on top. Do the same with your mint and slice up your jalapeno to add on top, if desired. 

 

Close the sandwich and slice it into sections, I recommend 2 or 3 depending on how long your baguette is.

 

Wrap up your banh mi however you like. I like to use a beeswax wrap for mine, which keeps everything really fresh. Enjoy!