Looking for a delicious and plant-based twist on a beloved Vietnamese classic? Look no further than the vegan banh mi!
This mouthwatering sandwich takes all the vibrant flavors and textures of traditional banh mi and transforms them into a cruelty-free delight.
With a variety of options for plant-based proteins, such as tofu, seitan, or tempeh, combined with fresh herbs, quick pickled vegetables, and a tangy vegan sriracha mayo, the tofu banh mi sandwich offers a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing.
What is banh mi?
Banh mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that has gained international recognition for its unique blend of flavors and textures.
It typically consists of a crusty Vietnamese baguette filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as meat, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and sauces.
The combination of crispy bread, tender fillings, and the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes classic banh mi a truly irresistible culinary experience.
It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a culinary masterpiece that showcases the rich and diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Why this vegetarian banh mi recipe will works?
This vegetarian banh mi sandwich recipe works because it combines a variety of flavorful elements.
The marinated tofu adds a savory and slightly tangy taste, while the pickled veggies provide a refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness.
The vegan mayo, with its creamy texture and spicy kick, which complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Best vegan banh mi recipe
With a variety of options for plant-based proteins, such as tofu, seitan, or tempeh, combined with fresh herbs, quick pickled vegetables, and a tangy vegan sriracha mayo, the vegan banh mi offers a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Oven
- stovetop
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe!
For the tofu marinade
- 1 block extra firm tofu, sliced into ¼-inch thick strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the pickled vegetables
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 daikon radish, julienned
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the vegan mayo
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For assembling the banh mi
- 4 crusty baguettes (you can use French baguette instead)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu strips in a mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Then add the tofu strips and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
While the tofu is marinating, prepare the pickled vegetables. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add the julienned carrots and daikon radish, and let them pickle for 15 minutes.
In another small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice to make banh mi sauce.
Now! It’s time to cook the tofu. Place the marinated tofu strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the tofu turns golden brown.
Cut the baguettes in half lengthwise and lightly toast them.
To assemble the banh mi, spread a generous amount of mayo on one side of each baguette. Layer the marinated tofu, pickled veggies, cilantro leaves, mint leaves, cucumber slices, jalapenos (if desired), and red onion slices.
Nutrition facts (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Carbohydrate: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 15g
Tips to make the best vegan sandwich
- Press the tofu before marinating to remove excess moisture and help it absorb the flavors better.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of sriracha sauce in the vegan mayo.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or sliced radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
- Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preferences.
How to serve vegan tofu bánh mì?
Serve the vegan banh mi sandwich immediately after assembly for the best taste and texture. The crusty baguettes and fresh ingredients are at their prime when enjoyed right away.
How to store banh mi recipe vegan?
If you have assembled banh mi sandwiches that you plan to eat later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
If you have leftover individual ingredients such as marinated tofu, pickled vegetables, or mayo, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can be kept for 3-4 days.
To keep the baguette fresh, store any leftover baguettes in a paper bag or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as they can make the bread soggy.
You can freeze the baguettes for longer-term storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Frozen baguettes can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.
FAQs
Which vegan mayo is the best?
There are several brands of vegan mayo available in the market, and the choice of which one is the best for a banh mi sandwich vegetarian can vary based on personal preference.
However, one popular and widely available option is Vegenaise by Follow Your Heart. It is known for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and suitability for vegan diets.
Another popular vegan mayo brand is Hellmann.
Ultimately, it’s worth trying different brands to find the one that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Can I use a different plant-based protein instead of tofu in my vegan banh mi recipe?
Certainly!
You have various options for plant-based proteins in your vegan banh mi, such as seitan, tempeh, store-bought vegan slices, or even cauliflower or shredded King Oyster Mushrooms for a delicious twist.
You can choose the protein that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to my banh mi veggie recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your vegan banh mi with additional fresh vegetables like lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or thinly sliced onions.
Adding more vegetables can provide extra crunch and flavor to your sandwich.
Can I prepare vegan banh mi in advance?
While it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain the bread’s texture, you can prepare other components in advance.
You can marinate the protein, pickled carrots, cut the mango, and prepare the spicy mayo ahead of time.
Conclusion
The vegan banh mi offers a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich.
By incorporating plant-based proteins like tofu, seitan, or tempeh, along with an array of fresh vegetables and zesty pickled toppings, this vegan version captures the essence of bahn mi while catering to diverse dietary preferences.
The combination of savory, tangy, and crunchy elements creates a harmonious explosion of flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based options, the vegan banh mi is a satisfying and delicious choice that showcases the versatility and creativity of plant-based cuisine.