Banh Mi

Here's something I've never made before, Banh Mi!  It's a Vietnamese sandwich loaded with meat (shrimp, beef or chicken which in this case I use pork), veggies and its unique and flavorful homemade sauce.  Once in a while, I give my dear hubby the privilege to choose the kind of dish or food I should offer/make for him since in our household, weekday dishes are my responsibility and the weekends are his, giving "mama" a chance to sit back, relax and be served:)).  So, he chose Banh Mi!  Oh boy, what's wifey gonna do...so Banh Mi it is!  Thank goodness it turned out scrumptiously good!!!

1 french baguette, cut lengthwise (divide into 4 servings)
1 pound pork loin, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame seed oil

Mix all ingredients and let it marinade for an hour or longer.
Pan-fry meat (both sides) in a medium heat until brown, doing in batches.  Do not overcrowd them. 


Condiment Fillings:
1 big carrot, shredded
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 small red onion, sliced thinly
handful of cilantro leaves
1 cucumber, thinly sliced

In a bowl, mix shredded carrot and rice vinegar.  Set aside and let it soak.

Sauce:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons non-fat yogurt or kefir cream (I prefer to use kefir for probiotic boost)

1 teaspoon fish sauce

juice of half a lime, freshly squeezed

a splash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (optional)

How to assemble:
Open warm baguette in half (serving pieces), spread the mayo sauce at the bottom part.  Arrange the following in order...sliced cucumber, cooked meat, sliced onions, drained shredded carrot, topped with cilantro leaves, then add the top part of baguette.  Enjoy with your favorite chips on the side!