Banh Mi Thit

Vietnamese Banh Mi Thit

Vietnamese
Bánh Mì

Asian Crispy Meat Sandwich
with Tangy Pickled Vegetables

Bánh mì refers to the iconic Vietnamese baguette, a lasting culinary influence from the French colonial period. The word “thịt” means meat, a common filling in this beloved sandwich. 

Our spice blend features authentic Vietnamese cinnamon, known for its unique balance of sweetness and a hint of spice, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the flavors.

Bánh Mì Spice Blend

Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.

Banh Mi Thit

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Alternative Ingredients
  • Substitute pork with chicken, turkey, or tofu.
  • Substitute daikon with radish or turnip.
  • Substitute daikon and carrots with coleslaw.
Bánh Mì Xíu Mại
Bánh Mì Thịt Xíu Mại

Variations

Explore the recipes for the following dish variations as you scroll down:

  • Bánh mì thit xá xíu with BBQ meat
  • Bánh mì thit xíu mai with meatbals
  • Bánh mì thit – tofu 
baguette

Crispy Baguette

The sandwich is made with a crispy, airy French-style baguette introduced during colonial times. Unlike traditional French baguettes, bánh mì bread is often lighter and less dense, incorporating rice flour for a delicate crunch.

Click to Discover Daikon

Balancing all the Flavors

Bánh mì combines a mix of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It typically includes

  • Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish)
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro
  • Cucumber slices
  • Chili peppers for heat
  • Mayonnaise or butter for creaminess

 

Vietnamese Bánh Mì Thịt - Tofu

Vietnamese Bánh Mì - Tofu

SpiceBreeze
Bánh Mì Thịt, a delicious Vietnamese sandwich, traditionally features a combination of succulent meat, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a crusty baguette. In this vegan version, the meat is substituted with tofu to create a plant-based delight. The dish offers a fantastic blend of textures and flavors.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Pickled Topping

  • 1/2 lb daikon or cucumber and carrots mix 70:30, grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tamari [1] or fish sauce to taste

Spread

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise [2]
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • chili sauce (optional) to taste

Tofu

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu 14-16 oz
  • 2 cloves garlic grated or pressed
  • 2 tbsp tamari [1]
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or (cooking) wine
  • 1 tbsp (agave) syrup or honey or (brown) sugar
  • 1 tbsp starch corn starch or arrowroot
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
  • oil

Choose One

  • 1-2 baguette authentic
  • any type of bun or bread
  • cooked rice or quinoa

Optional Toppings

  • some sprigs cilantro
  • jalapenos

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves

Instructions
 

Pickle the Vegetables

  • In a BOWL, mix lime juice and tamari.
  • Add vegetables. Mix well.
  • Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Spread

  • In a BOWL, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and (optional) chili sauce.

Press the Tofu

  • Place the tofu in a press [3] and keep it in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Drain.
  • Cut the tofu into 8-10 slices about 1/2-inch thick.
    sliced tofu

Marinate the Tofu

  • In a BOWL, mix garlic, tamari, vinegar, syrup, and starch.
  • Optionally, add fish sauce to taste
  • Stir in Banh Mi Spices.
  • Place tofu slices on a large PLATE. Pour marinade over it.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes, turning halfway.

Fry the Tofu

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
  • Fry tofu slices in one layer until brown on both sides.
  • Repeat with any remaining slices.

Assemble your Banh mi thit

  • Spread mayonnaise on one half of the baguette.
  • Place fried tofu in the baguette.
  • Top the baguette with the pickles, and, optionally, cilantro leaves and/or sliced jalapenos.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute with soy sauce or see more substitutes in our blog.
[2] Substitute mayonnaise with yogurt.
[3] We recommend tofu press on Amazon. This is not an affiliate link, which means that we don't get paid if you buy it. We just use it for years now and it works perfectly.
Alternatively, place the tofu in a strainer that sits in a container. Cover with a plate and put some weight on top.
 
Banh Mi Thit

Vietnamese Banh Mi Thit Xá Xíu

SpiceBreeze
Bold, vibrant flavors come together in this Vietnamese street food classic, offering a satisfying mix of textures. The rich char siu pork pairs beautifully with the light crunch of cucumber and the zing of pickled daikon and carrots.
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pork boneless (cutlet or belly)
  • 1 lb daikon and carrots mix 70:30
  • 2-4 Persian cucumber
  • 1-2 baguette
  • 4 cloves garlic grated
  • 4 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cooking wine e.g. Marsala/ dry sherry/ white wine
  • 4-6 tbsp agave syrup or honey or sugar
  • 2-8 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
  • oil

Optional

  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp fish sauce or 1 tbsp anchovy paste
  • mayonnaise
  • some sprigs cilantro
  • jalapenos

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • Cut meat in 1-inch cubes.
  • In a CONTAINER, mix garlic, tamari, cooking wine, 2 tbsp syrup, 1 tbsp oil.
  • Optional use sesame oil and fish sauce.
  • Stir in Banh Mi Spices.
  • Add meat. Mix well.
  • Let rest in the fridge for 2-24 hours. Stir halfway.

Pickles

  • Cut daikon and carrots into thin match-like strips or grate them.
  • In a BOWL, add 1 cup water.
  • Add to taste: 2-4 tbsp syrup, vinegar, 1-2 tbsp salt.
  • Let rest in fridge 2-24 hours.

Grill

  • Preheat OVEN to 390°F.
  • Place meat on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Bake 30 minutes.
  • Turn halfway and brush meat with the marinade.

Cut

  • Cut cucumber in strips.
  • Cut meat thinly.

Assemble your Banh mi thit

  • Place meat in your baguette.
  • Add cucumber and pickles.

Optional

  • Spread mayonnaise on one half of the baguette. Top with cilantro leaves and/or sliced jalapenos.
  • Enjoy!
Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

Vietnamese Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

SpiceBreeze
Bánh Mì refers to Vietnamese baguette. It’s a heritage from the French colonial period. This recipe is a simplified version for Bánh mì Xíu Mại with meatballs. The spice blend includes rare Vietnamese cinnamon. It’s not only sweet but a bit spicy as well.
 
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (pork veal, or poultry)
  • 1/2 lb jicama grated
  • 3 tomato/es chopped
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp tapioca starch

For the sauce

  • 1 large onion chopped
  • tomato paste
  • coconut or palm oil

For the pickles

  • 1 lb daikon and carrots mix 70:30
  • agave syrup or honey or sugar
  • rice wine vinegar or white vinegar

For serving

  • 2-4 Persian cucumber cut in thin strips
  • 1-2 baguette

Optional

  • tamari or soy sauce
  • fish sauce
  • mayonnaise
  • some sprigs cilantro
  • jalapenos sliced

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (not recommended during pregnancy), fennel, Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and cloves

Instructions
 

Cook jicama

  • In a small POT, bring water to boil and cook jicama for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

Pickles

  • Cut daikon and carrots into thin match-like strips or grate them.
  • Keep 2 tbsp cooked jicama aside and add remaining jicama to the daikon and carrots.
  • In a BOWL, add 1 cup water.
  • Add to taste: 2-4 tbsp syrup, vinegar, 1-2 tbsp salt.
  • Let rest in fridge 1-24 hours.

Fry garlic and onions

  • In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions. Fry over medium-low heat until the onions turn brown. Take them out and set aside to cool.

Prepare meatballs

  • In a BOWL, mix ground meat, 2 tbsp jicama, fried garlic and onions, tapioca starch, and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Form meatballs. Use about 1 tbsp of the meat mixture for each meatball.

Steam meatballs

  • In a large POT, place a deep soup plate. Fill water around the plate up to half of the height of the plate. Place meatballs in the plate. Cover POT. Heat water and steam meatballs for 15 minutes.

Sauce

  • In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil. Add onions and Banh Mi Spices. Mix well.
  • Fry onions until they turn translucent.
  • Add tomatoes and salt to taste. Cook over slow heat for 10 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of water and stir in 1-2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • Season with tamari and fish sauce to taste.
  • Add steamed meatballs and the liquid from its plate.
  • Mix well and let cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring in between.

Assemble your Banh mi thit

  • Place meat in your baguette.
  • Add cucumber and pickles.
  • Spread mayonnaise on one half of the baguette (optional).
  • Top with cilantro leaves and/or sliced jalapenos (optional).
  • Enjoy!

Caribbean Green Seasoning

 

Caribbean Green Seasoning

SpiceBreeze
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic grated

Optional

  • 1 green onion finely chopped
  • 0.25 red bell pepper or orange or yellow, finely chopped
  • 0.5 inch ginger grated
  • parsley, and/ or basil Substitute for cilantro, or mix.
  • white vinegar to taste
  • lime juice to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix all ingredients.
  • Add salt to taste.

Notes

  • Add this green seasoning for Caribbean cucumber chutney (see recipe here) to add to your Doubles.
  • Use it to enhance your salads and sandwiches.
  • For some change, try different ingredient combinations with the mentioned options.

Caribbean Cucumber Chutney

 

Caribbean Cucumber Chutney

SpiceBreeze
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1 English cucumber with skin (or 3-4 Persian cucumber)
  • 1 tbsp green seasoning (see notes for the recipe)

Instructions
 

  • Coarsely grate the cucumber.
  • Add some salt to the cucumber and let it sit in a strainer over a bowl.
  • After 15 minutes, squeeze the cucumber to get the most liquid out of it. Keep the liquid for later (see tip below).

Mix in to taste

  • 0.5-1 tbsp of the green seasoning.
  • Double Spices [2], and salt & pepper.
  • Let rest for 15 minutes.

Notes

Green seasoning recipe

Tip

Drink the cucumber water pure or mixed in a fruit smoothie.
Algerian Lahm Lhalou Prunes Tagine

Algerian Lahm Lhalou Tagine with Prunes

Algerian Lahm Lhalou Prunes Tagine

Algerian Lahm Lhalou Prunes Tagine

SpiceBreeze
This warming winter dish is cooked in one pot with precious saffron, cinnamon, and prunes. Usually, it is made with fresh prunes which are cook with cinnamon and honey. Dried prunes make it faster for a weeknight. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference and depending on the type of dried prunes that you can find. Not a fan of sweet dishes? Check out the recipe for tagine with olives on our website.    
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Algerian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs thighs, or breast cut in 1 inch pieces)
  • 0.5 lb dried prunes pitted
  • (or apricots or dates)
  • 6-8 fresh bread rolls or couscous
  • 3 oz toasted almonds optional
  • 1 tbsp toasted white sesame optional

You might have

  • 2 onions finely chopped
  • 1-4 tbsp honey or syrup optional
  • butter or oil
  • salt & pepper

Lahm Lhalou Culinary Spice Kit

  • [1] Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, saffron
  • [2] Cinnamon chips, tea bag: Fill half to all cinnamon chips in the tea bag and close well.

Instructions
 

Cook

  • In a medium POT, heat 2 tbsp butter.
  • Add chicken, onions, Tagine Spices [1], and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add 2 cups of water and Tagine Spices [2]. Mix well. Cover with lid.
  • Bring to boil. Reduce to medium heat.
  • Cook 20 minutes.
  • Add prunes. Add honey, salt & pepper to taste. Mix well.
  • Cook on low heat about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked and the sauce thickened a bit. Stir occasionally.
  • Scoop out Tagine Spices [2].

Optional

  • Cook couscous according to package instructions.

Serve

  • Serve prunes tagine on a big plate with fresh bread rolls or couscous.

Garnish

  • Garnish with almonds and sesame (optional). Enjoy!

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Sichuan Gong Bao Chicken

Sichuan Gong Bao

Chinese Sichuan
Gong Bao

Picture this: Panda Express Kung Pao, crafted with genuine flavors and boasting several advantages.   

You Are In Control

Firstly, you’re in the know about every ingredient, steering clear of artificial flavor enhancers. Secondly, customize the dish by picking your preferred vegetables or experimenting with new combinations. Thirdly, take command of the spice level to suit your palate. Lastly, select the protein that fits your preferences. Whether paired with noodles, rice, or both, it’s a flavorful adventure awaiting your culinary exploration! 

Spice Blend

Garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper, mild chili pepper

Traditional stir fried Chicken Gung Bao

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Gong Bao Ingredients at a Glance

Here are the essential ingredients at a glance for enhancing the flavor of your chosen protein. The necessary seasonings range from 1 tablespoon of dry sherry or cooking wine to 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (alternative options available). Include two types of vegetables and green onions for added freshness. While peanuts are recommended, you can also substitute them with cashews for a delightful twist.

gong bao main seasonings
gong bao main ingredients
gong bao substitute veggies
cashews
Sichuan Gong Bao Chicken

Sichuan Gong Bao

SpiceBreeze
"Gong Bao" is a classic, spicy dish originating in the Sichuan Province in Southwest China, named after a former governor of Sichuan. Unlike the Westernized version, also known as Kung Pao, its signature spice is Sichuan peppercorn. Don't be surprised; this pepper is not hot but causes a slight numbing sensation on the tongue. Add fresh chili pepper to taste for the desired level of heat.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese, Sichuan
Servings 3
Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lbs chicken breast or tenders [1] cut into 0.5-inch chunks

Fresh Produce, cut into 0.5-inch pieces

  • 1 small red bell pepper [2]
  • 1 small zucchini [2]
  • 6 green onions Keep the chopped green part separate for later.

Dry Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 2-3 tbsp sugar [3] for sauce
  • 3 tbsp corn- or potato starch 1 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for chicken

Liquid Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 tbsp dry sherry or cooking wine [4] for marinade
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce [5] 2 for marinade, 1 for sauce
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or stock for sauce
  • 3 tbsp vinegar for sauce
  • oil 2 tsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for frying

Optional

  • 1 chili pepper finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup peanuts or cashews roasted recommended
  • salt & pepper

Gong Bao Culinary Spice Kit

  • Garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper (don’t use during pregnancy), mild chili pepper

Suggested Sides

  • cooked or steamed rice
  • long noodles

Instructions
 

CONTAINER - Soy-Sherry Marinade

  • In a CONTAINER, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sherry.
  • Add chicken and mix well. Cover.
  • Keep in the fridge overnight. Stir halfway.

CUP - Mix the Sauce

  • In a CUP, mix 2 tbsp sugar, Gong Bao spices, 1 tbsp starch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp vinegar, 0.25 cup broth, and 2 tsp oil.
  • Optionally, add more sugar and/or chili peppers to your taste. Set aside.

PAN - Fry Chicken

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat until right before smoking.
  • Mix chicken with 2 tbsp starch.
  • Add it to the PAN and stir-fry until it's slightly brown.

PAN - Fry Vegetables

  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Add vegetables. Fry until all ingredients are tender.

PAN - Thicken Sauce

  • Stir the sauce well and add it to the PAN.
  • Stir and toss until the sauce thickens.
  • Lastly, stir in the nuts (optional).

Serve

  • Serve with your preferred side and sprinkle with the green parts of the onions.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops, beef sirloin, shrimp, tempeh, or tofu.
[2] Substitute bell peppers and/ or zucchini with bok choy, green beans, sugar snap peas, bamboo shoots, green asparagus, small broccoli florets, cauliflower rice, or shredded root vegetables. Substitute green onions with leek.
[3] Substitute sugar with agave syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener.
[4] Substitute with dry wine or lager beer. Or use 1 tbsp apple juice with a few drops of white vinegar.
[5] For alternatives, visit our blog.

Nutrition

Serving: 207gSodium: 789mgSugar: 4.8gFiber: 6.4gCalories: 317kcalMonounsaturated Fat: 6.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.7gSaturated Fat: 3.6gFat: 14.6gProtein: 10gCarbohydrates: 39.4g

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Indian Rice Korma

Indian Rice Korma

Indian Rice Korma

Indian Rice Korma

SpiceBreeze
Korma is a staple on Indian family dinner tables. The spice blend around coriander and cumin is rather simple compared to complex Indian curries. It develops a magically addicting flavor in its combination with toasted cardamom pods and golden turmeric.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 can garbanzo beans

Fresh Produce

  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1 cup peas frozen
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 1 inch ginger chopped

Dairy

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 2 cups Basmati rice
  • salt

Korma Culinary Spice Kit

  • [1] Cardamom pods
  • [2] Coriander, cumin, turmeric

Instructions
 

  • In a PAN (with LID), heat the butter.
  • Add Korma [1] spices and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  • Add onions and stir-fry until they turn golden. Be careful not to burn the butter.
  • Add ginger, garbanzo beans, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add rice and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Add Korma [2] spices, 3 cups of water, peas, and salt and fresh chilies to taste. Mix well.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and let cook for 15 minutes.
  • Please don’t lift the LID before the rice is ready to serve!
  • Turn off heat. Keep the PAN still covered and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute garbanzo beans with 0.5 lb chicken breast, cut in 0.5 inch cubes.
 

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