Shrimp Banh Mi
Banh Mi, a beloved Vietnamese sandwich, is a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Traditionally made with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and condiments, the Banh Mi has gained international popularity for its unique blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
This Shrimp Banh Mi recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic, using succulent shrimp as the star ingredient.
In this recipe, shrimp are marinated in a savory mixture, then grilled to perfection and served in a crusty baguette.
Topped with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a zesty sauce, this sandwich is not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Shrimp Banh Mi is sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Pickled Vegetables:
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup daikon radish, julienned
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Banh Mi:
- 4 small baguettes (or Vietnamese banh mi bread)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spread)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How to Make Shrimp Banh Mi
Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and vegetable oil.
Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Pickle the Vegetables:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Place the julienned carrots and daikon radish in a jar or bowl. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This quick pickling process enhances the crunch and adds a tangy flavor.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Alternatively, you can cook the shrimp directly in the skillet.
Grill or sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Banh Mi:
Slice the baguettes lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Spread a thin layer of the sriracha mayonnaise on the inside of each baguette.
Layer the cooked shrimp into the baguette, followed by the pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and jalapeños if using.
Close the sandwich and press down gently to help meld the flavors.
Serve:
Serve the Shrimp Banh Mi immediately, with extra sriracha or lime wedges on the side for drizzling. Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Chef’s Note:
Shrimp Banh Mi is highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For added depth, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, or substituting shrimp with other proteins such as grilled chicken or tofu.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can lightly toast the baguettes before assembling. Additionally, make sure to let the pickled vegetables cool completely before adding them to the sandwich to maintain the baguette’s crispiness.
These sandwiches are perfect for meal prep; you can prepare the shrimp and pickled vegetables ahead of time. Just assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread fresh.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 25% of DV
- Calcium: 4% of DV
- Iron: 10% of DV
Shrimp Banh Mi offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal option. The shrimp are rich in high-quality protein and essential minerals, while the pickled vegetables add a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
The inclusion of fresh herbs and vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of the sandwich.
In conclusion, Shrimp Banh Mi is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that brings together the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Its blend of flavors, textures, and colors makes it a showstopper for any meal.
Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply craving a delightful sandwich, this Shrimp Banh Mi recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors that make this dish a favorite among food lovers everywhere!
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