Vietnamese Bánh Mì - Tofu
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.
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.
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.