Tofu Bánh Mì Recipe – Vietnamese Grilled Tofu Sandwich
This Vietnamese Grilled Tofu Sandwich, or Tofu Bánh Mì, offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the crispy texture of grilled tofu with a refreshing medley of vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a vibrant lunch, satisfying vegetarians and meat lovers alike. The combination of tangy pickled vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and the unique crunch of fresh herbs creates a delightful culinary experience. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baguette (12 inches) | 1 |
| Classic Mayonnaise (With Egg) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sriracha sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 3 sprigs |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | For cooking |
| English cucumber | 1, sliced |
| Red bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1, sliced |
| Green bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1, sliced |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, cut into julienne |
| Mooli/Mullangi (Radish) | 1, sliced |
| Pickled jalapeños | 2, sliced |
| Chilli vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Tofu | 250 grams, sliced into rectangles |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Red chili sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry ginger powder | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 400-500 kcal |
| Protein | 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Vegetables
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Chop the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping the English cucumber, red and green bell peppers, carrot, and radish into desired shapes. The julienne cut for carrots and thin slices for the radish will add both texture and visual appeal.
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Mix the Pickling Solution: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the chili vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are well coated.
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Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture while you prepare the tofu. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the vegetables a tangy kick.
Step 2: Marinate the Tofu
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Create the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red chili sauce, honey, black pepper, dry ginger powder, and a pinch of salt. This marinade will infuse the tofu with flavor.
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Marinate the Tofu: Add the sliced tofu to the bowl and gently toss to coat all sides with the marinade. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Grill the Tofu
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Preheat the Grill Pan: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, brush the surface with a bit of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Grill the Tofu: Carefully place the marinated tofu slices on the grill pan. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown grill marks appear.
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Set Aside: Once grilled, transfer the tofu to a plate and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bánh Mì
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Prepare the Baguette: Cut the baguette into two 6-inch sections. Slice each piece lengthwise, ensuring not to cut all the way through so that it can hold the fillings.
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Toast the Baguette (Optional): If you prefer a warm and crispy texture, you can toast the baguette halves in the oven with a bit of butter or olive oil.
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Spread the Sauces: On one side of each baguette piece, spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and about 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
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Layer the Fillings: Start layering the pickled vegetables on the mayonnaise side, followed by two slices of the grilled tofu.
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Add Fresh Ingredients: Top with slices of cucumber and pickled jalapeños for additional flavor and crunch. Finally, garnish with freshly washed coriander sprigs to add a fresh herbaceous note.
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Repeat: Repeat the assembly for the other half of the baguette.
Serving Suggestions
Your delicious Vietnamese Style Veg Bánh Mì is now ready to be served! This sandwich can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of Cherry Tomato and Orange Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a perfect beverage pairing, a glass of Mango Iced Tea would complement this meal beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience and making your weekend meal complete.
Conclusion
This Tofu Bánh Mì recipe brings together the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in a delightful vegetarian sandwich that is both satisfying and flavorful. It’s perfect for those looking to explore plant-based options or anyone wanting to enjoy a taste of Vietnam right at home. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and the heartwarming satisfaction that comes with each bite!
