Introduction
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi is an exquisite Vietnamese sandwich that marries the crunchy texture of pork belly with the vibrant flavors of pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. This delightful dish exemplifies the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. The rich, savory taste of the pork complements the freshness of the vegetables and the aroma of cilantro, all encased in a soft, airy baguette.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pork Belly: 1 pound, skin on
Salt: 1 tablespoon
Pepper: 1 teaspoon
Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil: for frying
Baguettes: 4, preferably Vietnamese or French-style
Pickled carrots: 1 cup
Pickled daikon: 1 cup
Cucumber: 1, sliced lengthwise
Cilantro: 1 bunch, leaves only
Jalapeño: 1, sliced (optional)
Mayonnaise: ½ cup
Soy sauce: for drizzling
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish takes about 20 minutes. This includes the time required to season the pork belly and prepare your vegetables for pickling, ensuring each component is ready for assembly.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for the pork belly is approximately 2 hours.
Total time from start to finish is around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
This recipe yields four delicious Banh Mi sandwiches, perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring on your own.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Place the pork belly in a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and vinegar, then bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1-1.5 hours until tender.
Step 2: Chill the Pork Belly
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the pot and let it cool slightly. Place it in the refrigerator to cool completely, about 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Score the Skin
Take the cooled pork belly out of the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Step 4: Season the Pork
Rub the pork belly all over with a mix of salt, sugar, and five-spice powder. Ensure the seasoning gets into the scored skin well for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Roast the Pork Belly
Preheat the oven to a high temperature, around 220°C (430°F). Place the pork belly on a roasting rack and roast for about 30-40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden.
Step 6: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pork is roasting, julienne carrots and radishes. Mix them with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt to make a quick pickle. Allow this to sit for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7: Assemble the Banh Mi
Slice a baguette in half and lightly toast if desired. Spread mayonnaise on each side. Layer with fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and the pickled vegetables. Finally, add slices of the crispy pork belly on top.
Step 8: Serve
Close the baguette, slice it in half, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Note 1: Cooking time may vary
Depending on the thickness of the pork belly, cooking times may vary. Ensure it is tender before chilling.
Note 2: Make-ahead option
You can prepare the pork belly a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to roast.
Note 3: Vinegar choice
Use white vinegar or rice vinegar for pickling the vegetables, depending on your preference.
Note 4: Additional toppings
Feel free to add jalapeños, sliced chili, or any other favorite toppings to enhance your Banh Mi.
Note 5: Serving suggestion
This dish pairs well with a refreshing beverage or can be served as part of a larger meal with other Vietnamese dishes.
Cook techniques
Roasting
Roasting is the primary cooking method for achieving crispy pork belly. The high heat allows the fat to render out while making the skin crackling and crispy.
Brining
Brining helps season the pork belly deeply and retains moisture during cooking. This step is essential for enhancing flavor and ensuring juiciness.
Scoring
Scoring the skin of the pork belly before cooking allows the fat to render more efficiently and helps the skin to achieve excellent crispiness.
Chilling
Chilling the pork belly in the refrigerator after scoring and before roasting is important for drying out the skin, which contributes to better crispiness.
Glazing
Applying a glaze made of vinegar during the cooking process can help in achieving a flavorful and crispy skin that adds an extra dimension to the dish.
Resting
Allowing the roasted pork belly to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful meat.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork belly is traditional for bánh mì, you can use other fatty cuts, though the texture and flavor will vary.
How do I know when the pork belly is done?
The pork belly is done when it has a beautiful golden crisp skin and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
Can I prepare the pork belly in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork belly in advance. Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat when ready to serve.
What kind of bread is best for bánh mì?
A light, crusty baguette is ideal for bánh mì, as it holds up well to the ingredients and adds a satisfying crunch.
Can I make a vegetarian version of bánh mì?
Yes, you can substitute the pork belly with grilled tofu or marinated vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian bánh mì.
Conclusion
The Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, showcasing the contrast between the succulent pork belly and the fresh, vibrant toppings. This sandwich is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fulfilling meal that combines various ingredients to elevate the traditional Banh Mi experience. Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pork Belly Tacos
Try using the crispy pork belly in soft corn tortillas topped with fresh slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for a unique twist on traditional tacos.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Use the leftover pork belly slices to create fresh spring rolls, paired with vermicelli noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Pork
Combine crispy pork belly with stir-fried bok choy and garlic for a quick and delicious side dish that complements any Asian meal.
Pork Belly Rice Bowls
Serve the crispy pork over jasmine rice and top with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a hearty rice bowl.
Asian-Inspired Charcuterie Board
Incorporate crispy pork belly slices into a charcuterie board featuring various meats, cheeses, pickles, and dipping sauces for a fun appetizer spread.