The Vietnamese Bánh Mì is a sandwich based on a baguette, the traditional and cultural influences of which originate from the intermingling of Vietnamese and French cuisine. This delicious dish has managed to conquer the world with its various variants, always showcasing the vegetables, condiments, and aromatic herbs that give the Bánh Mì its own unique culinary identity.
In this article, we are going to introduce you to a vegan version of this specialty, so that everyone can enjoy the exceptional flavors of Vietnamese Bánh Mì while respecting everyone’s dietary choices.
How to prepare a Vegan Vietnamese Bánh Mì?
To make an authentic Vietnamese vegan Bánh Mì, you will need to find or make a good baguette: crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Next, let’s move on to the sandwich fillings:
Marinated Vegetables
Putting vegetables at the heart of Bánh Mì is above all a tribute to all the cultures that have left their mark on Vietnamese cuisine. The pickled vegetables will provide an essential tangy taste. Of course, adjust the quantities according to your preferences.
For this, peel and grate a few carrots. Wash and slice a cucumber. In a container, mix the vegetables with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
[bzkshopping keyword=”vinaigre de riz”]
Vegan Spread with Mayonnaise
To give our sandwich a creamy touch, we will use a vegan mayonnaise, easy to prepare:
- 120 ml of unsweetened plant-based milk (almond or soy work well)
- 240 ml of neutral vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, to adjust according to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
[bzkshopping keyword=”lait vegetal”]
Plant Proteins
Given that our Bánh Mì is completely vegan, it is necessary to replace the pate and other animal-derived ingredients with plant proteins. Marinated or grilled tofu, tempeh, or other substitutes can be used. Don’t hesitate to vary the seasonings to stray from the usual flavors.
[bzkshopping keyword=”tofu”]
Assembly Step
Unleash your creativity by assembling your Vegan Bánh Mì! However, here are some tips to make this delicious sandwich:
- Start by splitting the sticks from one side only. Then apply the mayonnaise.
- On top, add the chosen vegetable protein topping. The bravest will know to dare to add a few touches of flavor through spices.
- Next, distribute generously the marinated vegetables and also add fresh cucumber slices for a crunchy texture.
The crunchiness will thus be guaranteed! Don’t forget to balance the different flavors in order to highlight each ingredient of your Vegan Bánh Mì.
The aromatic herbs: it all comes down to the final touch!
One of the most important aspects of Bánh Mì are the herbs that give it this incomparable and unique flavor. The ever-present cilantro leaves or even Vietnamese basil always prevail, but the variations according to the regions continue to surprise.
In our version, choose the aromatic herbs that best suit your tastes: mint, flat parsley… And why not dare to mix to create an extraordinary culinary experience?
Enhance your Vegan Vietnamese Bánh Mì with a spicy sauce, if you like spicy dishes, to further strengthen this harmonious blend of different ingredients.
[bzkshopping keyword=”sauce piquante”]
Thanks to these simple tricks, anyone can make a delicious Vegan Vietnamese Bánh Mì perfectly combining sour, sweet, and salty flavors while being respectful of the environment and animals.