Ever heard of Bánh Mì? If not, you’re in for a treat. This Vietnamese sandwich is a delightful fusion of East meets West, born during the French colonial period in Vietnam. Imagine a crusty French baguette, but filled with the vibrant flavors of Vietnam – pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a variety of proteins. From grilled pork to tofu, and today’s featured ingredient, shrimp, the variations are endless. It’s a sandwich that tells a story of history, culture, and yumminess in every bite.

Ingredients for 2 sandwiches:

• For the Shrimp Marinade:
  • 200g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• For the Pickled Veggies:
  • 1/2 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 small daikon radish, julienned
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Sandwich:
  • 1 French baguette, cut into 2 equal portions and slightly toasted
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • A handful of fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Pickle the Veggies: In another bowl, dissolve the sugar and salt in vinegar. Add the julienned carrot and daikon radish. Mix well and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The longer, the better!
3. Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prep the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha. Adjust the spiciness to your liking.
5. Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the toasted baguette portions in half, but not all the way through. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on each side. Layer with cucumber slices, cooked shrimp, pickled veggies (drained), green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices (if using).
6. Enjoy! Take a big bite and savor the fusion of flavors. Enjoy your homemade shrimp Bánh Mì!