Name: Banh Mi with Crispy Tofu
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar; 4 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1 small daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks; 0.25 cup canola mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime); 1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce; 0.5 teaspoon fish sauce; 0.5 teaspoon grated fresh garlic; 0.5 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 1 (14-oz.) pkg. extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 12 (3-1/2 in.) planks; 0.375 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 (8-oz.) French baguette, cut into quarters and halved lengthwise, centers removed and toasted; 0.5 cup thinly sliced cucumber; 0.25 cup cilantro leaves; 2 tablespoons thinly sliced jalapeno pepper

Banh Mi with Crispy Tofu

Be the first to rate & review!

This Vietnamese sandwich is typically a combination of meat (usually pork) and vegetables, but our take here is plant-based and calls for crispy marinated tofu and a combination of fresh and pickled vegetables. A swipe of sriracha mayonnaise adds a layer of creamy richness. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredient list—all of the items are easy to find at well-stocked grocery stores and once you prep your ingredients, the sandwiches come together very easily.

Marianne Williams

Published on March 23, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Banh Mi With Crispy Tofu recipe — Photo: Caitlin Bensel

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Dairy-Free High-Protein Nut-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

2 cups water
3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
4 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 small daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks
¼ cup canola mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon grated fresh garlic
½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
1 (14-oz.) pkg. extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 12 (3-1/2 in.) planks
⅜ teaspoon kosher salt
1 (8-oz.) French baguette, cut into quarters and halved lengthwise, centers removed and toasted
½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
¼ cup cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons thinly sliced jalapeno pepper

Directions

Bring water, rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high. Combine carrots and radish in a medium bowl; pour vinegar mixture over vegetables, and let stand 15 minutes. Combine mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl; chill until ready to use.
Meanwhile, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons sesame oil and remaining 1 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Place tofu planks in a shallow dish, and pour soy mixture over planks; set aside to marinate at least 15 minutes or up to overnight.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook tofu planks, in batches if necessary, until browned and crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet, and immediately sprinkle with salt.
Drain and discard liquid from carrots and daikon; set aside. Spread both sides of halved baguettes with mayonnaise mixture. Layer 3 tofu slices per sandwich; top with carrots and daikon mixture, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeño. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

485	Calories
27g	Fat
45g	Carbs
16g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 sandwich
Calories 485
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 45g	16%
Dietary Fiber 5g	18%
Total Sugars 9g
Added Sugars 5g	10%
Protein 16g	32%
Total Fat 27g	35%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Sodium 914mg	40%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.