Stock up on jalapeños, Sriracha and fresh baguettes, ’cause it’s time to make banh mi sandwiches. These 20 scrumptious sammies hailing from Vietnam go beyond the usual meat and cheese affair. Instead, each sub is absolutely piled high with toppings that know how to pack a major punch in the flavor department. And just in case the mention of spicy things got you worried, don’t be; the heat level can easily be tailored to your personal preferences. Pack one of these bad boys in your lunchbox and get ready to be the envy of the break room.
1. Slow Cooker Banh Mi Sandwich: Get ready for the most tender, yet practically work-free pork sandwiches. The meat is cooked low and slow in your crock pot, so you can get it going before you head to work. When you return home at night, you’ll be greeted with an outstanding meal. (via The Stay at Home Chef)
2. Banh Mi Crostini: A slight deviation from the classic structure, these crostini proudly display the brightly colored fillings typically found inside a banh mi sandwich. (via Food Manna)
3. Oyster Banh Mi: Our taste buds are already singing the praises of these panko-crusted oyster sandwiches. Sweet, tangy and zesty flavors will tantalize the senses with every single bite. (via Cooking in Sens)
4. Quick and Easy Banh Mi: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great way to whip up a big batch of banh mi sandwiches in the blink of an eye. (via The Sugar Hit)
5. Grilled Chicken Banh Mi: Pickled veggies, seasoned mayo and cilantro are just a few of the elements that make this chicken sandwich anything but boring. (via The Hungry Hounds)
6. Banh Mi Sandwich: Sriracha-spiced mustard and jalapeños add some serious kick to this awesome, pork-filled banh mi. (via Heather Christo)
7. Tofu Bacon Banh Mi: A few slices of crisp, smokey bacon and creamy avocado make this almost-meatless, grilled zucchini and tofu–stuffed sammie taste too good to be true. It’s a great recipe to try this summer. (via First We Eat)
8. Fried Shrimp Banh Mi: Every bite of this glorious seafood sub is packed with a ton of textures, along with a melange of salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavors. (via In Good Flavor)
9. Meatball Banh Mi: A splash of fish sauce stirred into this homemade turkey meatball mixture adds just enough umami essence to make ’em irresistible enough on their own (appetizer idea, anyone?). Of course, minced onion, garlic and a handful of fresh basil definitely pull their weight in the seasoning department as well. (via Taming of the Spoon)
10. BBQ Chicken Banh Mi: Adding pickled veggies plus cilantro and jalapeños to saucy BBQ pulled chicken transforms this sando into an outrageously good East-meets-West sub. (via Thyme and Tamarind)
11. American Banh Mi Sandwich: Open wide. This meaty (three different kinds) masterpiece is sure to satiate even the biggest appetite. (via Culinary Concoctions)
12. Inside Out Banh Mi: Wrapping all of the usual banh mi sandwich toppings in a collard green leaf allows you to cut down the bread (or eliminate it entirely) for a slimmer creation that’s extra flavorful. (via Pinch and Swirl)
13. Lemongrass Pork Sausage Banh Mi: A classic banh mi combo, this sammie makes it easy to whip up your own Momofuku-inspired lemongrass pork sausage from scratch. (via Viet World Kitchen)
14. Lemongrass Pork Sandwich: A slick of pate in addition to the usual mayo adds an extra luxe feel to these sandos. (via The Noshing Bride)
15. Banh Mi With Portobellos and Pickled Veggie Slaw: Meaty, marinated portobello mushrooms make these vegan-friendly sandwiches totally satisfying, even for omnivores. (via The First Mess)
16. Steak Banh Mi: Quick-cooking flank steak will have you tearing into these bad boys in no time at all. Happily, the baguette soaks up all of the juices from the steak and pickled veggies, so you won’t lose a single speck of the good stuff. (via Food Nasty)
17. Spicy Banh Mi Sandwich: This buttery, toasted bread makes a satisfying base to pile high with pork and sliced hot peppers. (via Drool Worthy)
18. Banh Mi Meatball Sub: Juicy pork meatballs mingle with a tangy Sriracha-lime sauce and a kicked-up carrot slaw inside these drool-worthy subs. We trust that they’re equally delicious enjoyed hot or cold. (via I Eat Therefore I Cook)
19. Herbed Salmon Cakes: It’s a snap to transform salmon filets into delicately seasoned patties for these banh mi-esque sandos. They’ll come alive once the assortment of condiments and veggies are layered on top. (via Cookbooks365)
20. Banh Mi-Inspired Breakfast Sandwiches: Mmmm… drool. Your usual bacon and egg breakfast sammie gets a zingy makeover featuring Sriracha-miso mayo and so much more. (via Food52)
Have you ever enjoyed a banh mi sandwich? Share your favorite combination of topping with us below!
