There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of crispy pork belly, especially when it’s nestled in a fresh, crusty roll. This Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi recipe transports me straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam, where the bold flavors and textures come together to create a masterpiece. Imagine biting into perfectly crackling skin, juicy meat, and a medley of tangy pickled vegetables—all drizzled with a savory, homemade sauce that ties it all together.
Whether you’re planning a cozy lunch or hosting friends for a weekend gathering, this Vietnamese sandwich is sure to steal the show. With each bite, you’ll experience a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of delightful flavors. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s explore this mouthwatering banh mi that could easily become a weeknight favorite. Get ready to elevate your homemade food game!
Why is Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi so special?
Taste Explosion: Each bite offers a delightful contrast between crunchy, crispy skin and tender pork, all wrapped in a fresh, crusty roll.
Colorful Crunch: The vibrant pickled vegetables add a tangy kick, enhancing every mouthful.
Homemade Goodness: Make this flavorful sauce from scratch for a personal touch that fast food can’t match.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, everyone will love the irresistible flavors and textures of this Vietnamese classic.
Easy to Love: Quick to assemble once the pork is ready, making it ideal for any mealtime craving.
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi Ingredients
For the Pork
• Pork Belly – The star ingredient; provides juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin. Look for an even thickness with flat, unwrinkled skin; do not buy scored pork belly.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil – Helps in crisping the pork skin. Any neutral oil is suitable.
• Chinese Five Spice (optional) – Adds depth and complexity to the pork flavor. You won’t miss it if omitted.
• Cooking/Kosher Salt – Essential for achieving crispy crackling skin. Evenly disperse across the skin for best results.
• Black or White Pepper – Provides subtle heat to the pork. Both varieties work well—choose based on your preference.
For the Special Sauce
• Hoisin Sauce – Adds sweetness and depth. Can be substituted with any flavored sauce that complements pork.
• Coconut Milk – Adds creaminess to the sauce. Full-fat is preferred for richer flavor.
• Dark Soy Sauce – For color; can be substituted with light or regular soy sauce.
For the Sandwich
• Crusty White Rolls – Perfect for holding the fillings and absorbing flavors. Lightly toast if soft.
• Chicken Pâté – Traditional spread providing richness. Use any pâté of choice, avoid flavored varieties.
• Whole-Egg Mayonnaise – Offers creaminess and balances flavors. Kewpie mayo is a great alternative.
For the Fresh Toppings
• Vietnamese Pickled Carrots and Daikon – Adds tang and crunch. Use any pickled vegetable for a twist.
• Green Onions – For freshness. Cut to the roll’s length for optimal fit.
• Cucumbers – Crunchy element for texture. Finely slice for best results.
• Coriander/Cilantro – Fresh herb that complements the flavors. A sprinkling adds brightness.
• Birds Eye or Thai Chilis – For a spicy kick. Adjust quantity based on heat preference.
• Crispy Fried Shallots – Optional garnish for added crunch and flavor. Available in the Asian aisle of stores.
How to Make Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
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Prepare Pork Belly: Dry the skin overnight in the fridge, allowing it to absorb air for an ultra-crisp texture during roasting. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crackling.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 140°C (285°F). This low temperature is key for slow-roasting the pork belly, ensuring it cooks evenly and fully.
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Season and Wrap: Rub the flesh side of the pork belly with oil, Chinese five spice, cooking salt, and pepper. Then, wrap it in foil, creating a boat for a gentle roast. Don’t forget to season the skin!
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Slow Roast: Place the wrapped pork belly in the preheated oven for 2 hours. After 1 hour, re-tighten the foil to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
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Increase Heat: After slow roasting, remove the pork belly from the foil. Prop it up with foil balls to keep the skin level, then blast it in the oven at 240°C (465°F) for 30 minutes until the skin forms a glorious crackling.
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Rest Pork: Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes after roasting. This brief waiting time helps maintain its juiciness when you slice it.
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Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, coconut milk, and dark soy sauce. Blend until smooth and set aside to enhance the sandwich later.
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Assemble Banh Mi: Spread a layer of pâté and mayonnaise on the toasted roll. Layer with pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, chopped green onions, the crispy pork belly, and drizzle with the homemade sauce. Garnish with cilantro, chilis, and crispy fried shallots for an extra crunch!
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Serve Immediately: Dive into your freshly assembled banh mi while it’s still warm to fully enjoy that satisfying crispiness and burst of flavors!
Optional: For an extra flavor boost, add a few slices of avocado for creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi are perfect for home cooks who want to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the pork belly up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the roasting instructions and allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pickled vegetables can also be prepped up to 3 days ahead; just make sure they’re fully submerged in their brine to maintain their crispness. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pork belly in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that delightful crunch, then assemble your banh mi as directed. This way, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi?
Elevate your meal experience by complementing the vibrant flavors of this Vietnamese classic with delightful pairings.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These light, crunchy bites filled with fresh veggies are a perfect starter that enhances the meal’s texture and flavor.
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Vietnamese Iced Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of sweetened condensed milk coffee provide a delightful contrast to the savory banh mi and refreshes your palate.
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Fresh Herb Salad: A zesty mix of cilantro, mint, and basil adds an aromatic freshness that brightens each bite of your sandwich.
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Spicy Mango Salad: The sweet and spicy notes from ripe mango and chili balance the rich pork belly beautifully, bringing a tropical twist to your feast.
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Chilled Cucumber Soup: Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this soup serves as a soothing and hydrating complement that invites you into a culinary journey.
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Pineapple Fried Rice: Bring in a hint of sweetness and fruitiness! The contrasting textures and flavors from the fried rice suggest lazy brunches as well as lively dinners.
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Limeade: A tangy, revitalizing drink that cuts through the richness of the pork belly, making every mouthful a joyful experience.
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Coconut Sticky Rice: A sweet and sticky side dish that adds contrast to your savory banh mi and rounds out the flavors beautifully—perfect for those who love a bite of sweetness.
Expert Tips for Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
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Choose the Right Cut: Use unscored pork belly for optimal crackling. Scored skin won’t achieve the perfect crispiness you desire in your crispy pork belly banh mi.
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Drying Time is Key: Letting the pork skin dry overnight in the fridge helps ensure it crisps up beautifully during cooking—don’t skip this step!
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Season Generously: Evenly sprinkle salt over the skin before roasting. This creates delicious crackling and enhances the flavor of your pork belly.
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Technique Matters: Keep the pork belly even during that final high-heat blast by propping it up with foil balls. This helps the skin to crackle uniformly for a better texture.
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Resting is Essential: Allow the roasted pork belly to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This step helps retain juiciness, making every bite of your banh mi heavenly!
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Customized Assembly: Feel free to mix and match ingredients for added flair! Experiment with different pickled veggies or spicy chilis to put your unique twist on this classic dish.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
- Room Temperature: Enjoy your crispy pork belly banh mi fresh; leftovers should be stored as soon as possible to maintain crunchiness.
- Fridge: Store assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 1 day in an airtight container to prevent sogginess and preserve flavors.
- Freezer: To freeze, separate components (pork, sauce, and bread) and wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the pork in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through, keeping skin side up to re-crisp; assemble the sandwich just before serving for maximum crunch.
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own with these delightful twists!
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Grilled Chicken: Substitute crispy pork with marinated, grilled chicken for a lighter take that still delivers wonderful flavor.
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Vegan Option: Replace pork belly with crispy tofu or tempeh, marinated in soy sauce, for a plant-based alternative that’s equally satisfying.
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Custom Pickles: Switch out the classic pickled carrots and daikon for pickled red onions or cucumbers based on personal preference or what’s in season.
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Avocado Love: Add creamy avocado slices for a rich texture that pairs beautifully with the crunch from the other ingredients.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate fresh jalapeños or sriracha into your banh mi to turn up the heat and tantalize your taste buds.
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Flavored Mayo: Experiment with different mayonnaise flavors like garlic or chipotle to enhance each bite with a unique twist.
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Crunchy Veggies: Toss in some shredded cabbage or radish for an extra crunchy element that adds a delightful contrast to the sandwich.
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Herb Medley: Mix in herbs like basil or mint along with cilantro for an aromatic twist that elevates the classic flavors even further.
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pork belly?
Absolutely! When selecting pork belly, look for a piece that has an even thickness and unwrinkled skin. Avoid any pork belly that is scored, as this can hinder your ability to achieve that coveted crispy crackling.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! For optimal freshness, store assembled Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. This helps prevent sogginess while retaining as much flavor as possible.
Can I freeze the components of my banh mi?
Absolutely! To freeze, you should separate the components—pork, sauce, and bread. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This method helps maintain individual flavors and textures for when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
How do I reheat the pork properly?
To reheat your frozen pork, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the pork belly in the oven skin side up until warmed through, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. This technique allows the skin to re-crisp, making your banh mi as delightful as when it was freshly made!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re serving this banh mi to guests or family, be aware of allergies. The dish contains pork, mayonnaise, and can include spicy chilis, which might not be suitable for everyone. Feel free to swap ingredients, like using tofu instead of pork for a vegetarian option, and adjusting spiciness based on individual preferences.
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi: A Flavorful Twist on Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dry the skin of the pork belly overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat your oven to 140°C (285°F).
- Rub the flesh side of the pork with oil, Chinese five spice, cooking salt, and pepper; wrap in foil.
- Slow roast the pork belly in the oven for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, increase the oven temperature to 240°C (465°F) and roast for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes after roasting.
- In a bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, coconut milk, and dark soy sauce until smooth.
- Spread pâté and mayonnaise on the toasted rolls, layer with toppings, crispy pork belly, and drizzle with sauce.
- Serve immediately while warm.