Vegan Banh Mi

Get ready to fall in love with this vibrant vegan banh mi, a plant-based twist on the Vietnamese classic. We’re talking flavorful seared tofu, crunchy pickled veggies, and a spicy, creamy sauce. Grab a crispy baguette and let’s get started!

Craving a sandwich that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and packed with plant-based goodness? This vegan banh mi is the answer. Marinated tofu is perfectly seared and nestled in a fresh, crackly baguette. It’s topped with a colorful blend of lightly pickled vegetables, a kick of spicy jalapeño, and a generous slather of sambal-infused vegan mayo. This is the ultimate sandwich experience, perfect for those hot summer days when you need something satisfying yet refreshing.

A banh mi is so special because it blends savory, spicy, and tangy flavors with fresh, crunchy textures. Recreating this iconic Vietnamese sandwich with a vegan twist is so easy. We’ll go over how to sear tofu perfectly and explore other vegan proteins you can use to bring this vibrant dish to life in your own kitchen.

Ready for a sandwich that’s about to become the highlight of your summer? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich

This tofu banh mi sandwich takes a beloved Vietnamese classic and gives it a vegan spin. This is simple to make, versatile, and sure to become a staple during the summer months and even beyond. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

• Flavor Bomb: Marinated tofu combined with sambal-infused vegan mayo brings a rich, savory depth with a hint of heat that will leave you craving more.
• Pickle Party: Lightly pickled vegetables add a bright, tangy crunch that perfectly balances the sandwich’s rich flavors.
• Baguette Bliss: A fresh, crackly baguette is the backbone of an authentic banh mi, providing that essential crispy exterior and soft, airy interior.
• Protein Playground: From hearty tofu to umami-rich tempeh and succulent, meaty mushrooms, you can customize this sandwich with your favorite plant-based proteins.
• Herb Heaven: Fresh cilantro and mint add vibrant, refreshing flavors that elevate every bite of this comforting vegan dish.

Ready to make this delicious vegan banh mi your new favorite sandwich? Let’s get started!

What’s A Banh Mi?

Bánh mì, which translates to “bread” in Vietnamese, showcases the best of both French and Vietnamese cuisine. This sandwich features a crispy baguette, a hallmark of French baking, combined with distinctly Vietnamese components like pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and flavorful spreads. Traditionally, banh mi includes meats such as pork or pâté, but it’s possible to use plants here to achieve the same effect. It’s the harmonious blend of the protein, sauce, and fresh and pickled elements that make this truly special.

In this vegan version, we replace the traditional meats with marinated tofu, although there are other plant-based proteins that can be used (we’ll go over them below!). The vibrant, savory, and spicy elements remain intact, offering a fresh, satisfying take on the classic.

This plant-based banh mi is both a nod to tradition and a celebration of innovative plant-based cuisine. Let’s get ready to make this refreshing summer sandwich!

Key Ingredients

Creating the perfect vegan banh mi starts with the right ingredients. Each component adds a unique flavor and texture, coming together to form a sandwich that’s truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Firm Tofu: Marinated and seared to perfection, firm tofu acts as the hearty, protein-rich base of this sandwich. This is one of those great tofu recipe ideas you’ll love for its protein, flavor, and satisfying quality. It absorbs the savory marinade beautifully, offering a satisfying bite that mimics traditional meat fillings.
• Mirin: This sweet rice wine brings a subtle sweetness to the marinade, balancing out the savory and tangy elements.
• Vegan Fish Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the tofu, making it irresistibly savory.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice brightens up the marinade, adding a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the tofu and mayo.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced and lightly pickled, carrots provide a sweet and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft tofu.
• Celery: Adds an additional layer of crunch and a slightly peppery note, enhancing the complexity of flavors.
• Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers offer a cool contrast to the spicy and savory elements of the sandwich.
• Rice Vinegar: Used in pickling, rice vinegar adds a mild acidity that complements the sweetness of the mirin and the tanginess of the lime.
• Fresh Baguette: The essential vessel for banh mi, a fresh, crackly baguette provides the perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Vegan Mayo: Creamy and rich, vegan mayo ties the sandwich together, adding a smooth texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Sambal (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, sambal adds a spicy kick that takes the flavor to the next level.
• Fresh Cilantro: The finishing touch of cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating a banh mi that’s both balanced and full of flavor. The combination of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, along with a variety of textures, makes every bite unforgettable.

Other Plant-Based Proteins To Consider

Not a fan of tofu? No problem. There are plenty of other delicious ways to fill your banh mi with savory vegan goodness. From hearty mushrooms to versatile tempeh, these alternatives ensure your sandwich is just as satisfying and flavorful. Let’s explore a variety of plant-based proteins that can add unique textures and tastes to your banh mi, making it a perfect choice for all preferences.

• Oyster Mushrooms: These delicate mushrooms have a meaty texture that soaks up marinades well, making them a perfect alternative to tofu.
• Cauliflower: Roasted, baked, battered, or grilled cauliflower adds a hearty, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other banh mi ingredients.
• Vegan Chicken: There are so many plant-based chicken products on the market. Choose from your favorite brands, like Gardein to artisanal Lion’s Mane-based chicken products.
• Tempeh: With its firm texture and nutty taste, tempeh can be marinated and seared for a protein-packed filling.
• Jackfruit: When cooked and shredded, jackfruit takes on a texture similar to pulled pork, making it an excellent plant-based option.
• Seitan: Known for its chewy, meat-like texture, seitan is another versatile protein that can be marinated and cooked to perfection.
• Soy Curls: Rehydrated and marinated, soy curls offer a chewy and flavorful alternative to tofu.

Each of these options brings its own unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize your banh mi to your liking. Whether you’re looking for something meaty, nutty, or spicy, there’s a plant-based protein out there that will make your sandwich deliciously satisfying.

How To Make

Making a vegan banh mi at home is easy and fun! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to the best sandwich you’ll experience this summer! Scroll to the end of this post for the full recipe and detailed instructions.

• Step 1: Marinate the Tofu – Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate it in a mixture of mirin, vegan fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic for a few hours.

• Step 2: Pickle the Veggies – Slice carrots, celery, and cucumbers thinly, then let them marinate in a simple pickling solution for about 30 minutes.
• Step 3: Sear the Tofu – Sear the marinated tofu in a hot pan until it’s nicely seared on both sides.

• Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich – Spread sambal-infused vegan mayo on a fresh baguette, then layer it with the cooked tofu, pickled vegetables, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

And that’s it! This vegan banh mi is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, bringing together vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. This is the best recipe for these hot summer months ahead … enjoy!

FAQs

More Plant-Based Sandwich Recipes To Love!

• Crispy Fried Tofu Sandwich
• Vegan Fish Sandwich
• Vegan French Onion Soup Sandwich
• Vegan Pulled Pork

Have you tried this vegan banh mi recipe? Leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments below. I love hearing from you!