Grill · Make-ahead · The baguette is load-bearing

The Bánh Mì

Lemongrass-grilled pork, quick-pickled daikon and carrot, pâté, and one structurally significant baguette.

Serves 4
Active 40 min
Total ~5 h (mostly waiting)
Vessel Cast iron or grill
SERVES
UNITS
Stage 1 of 7 0:00
tosssqueeze after rest 15 minthen squeeze dry submerge · chill ≥ 1 h24 h is better · drain well before use assemble in order, top to bottompress · wrap · wait 2 min
stir until dissolved
mix marinate 4–24 h40°F (4°C) grill 2–3 min / sidehard char · 145°F (63°C) inside rest 5 minslice into strips
split lengthwisehinge intact hollow ⅓ of crumb toast 400°F (200°C)3–5 min · crust must crack spread both faces
bottom face + bare crumb

FIELD NOTES — Hollowing the crumb and toasting until the crust audibly cracks are the two steps that separate this from a soggy sandwich. Mayonnaise goes against the bread first: it is a moisture barrier, not a condiment. Pork belly swaps in for shoulder; lemongrass tofu swaps in for pork entirely (add 1 tsp extra Maggi).