Mini Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich

Banh mi is one of the most popular sandwich or street food in Vietnam. I've been planning for this banh mi for ages and finally here it is ! This recipe was actually inspired by Chef Nguyen of Viet World Kitchen. But to make it simple I managed to get some hot dog buns instead of baguette the other day cause the shop has ran out of baguette. And yet it tastes as good.

To prepare banh mi, pickled daikon is one of the most important ingredient to fit into the sandwich. Its best not to julienne both the daikon & carrot overly thin, otherwise it will became too soft after pickled. The thickness will helps to maintain the crunchy sensation.

Ingredients for Daikon & Carrot Pickled :
1 large carrot, peeled
1 daikon (no larger than 2" in diameter)
3 bird eye chilies, sliced
1 cup  warm water
1 cup  vinegar
1/2 cup  sugar
*3 TB salt for soaking

Method :
(1) mix together sugar, vinegar, water & chilies and let the brine set aside.
(2) julienne both carrot & daikon into size as desired then stir in salt and mix well. Let it rest for 30 minutes or till daikon & carrot shreds became softened.
(3) once its ready, wash & drain then squeeze out the excess water.
(4) now, add in the remaining ingredients and mix well. Then leave to rest for at least an hour before serving. For storage, keep refrigerated for at least 4 weeks.

Ingredients for lemongrass chicken bite :
4 pcs  boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite size
1 stalk  lemongrass, thinly chopped
1 TB chopped garlic
1 TB chopped shallots
2 TB sugar
1/4 tspn black pepper powder
2 tspn  dark soy sauce
1 TB  fish sauce
1 TB  cooking oil
(bring everything into a big bowl then mix well, let to rest for an hour or best over night then grilled in the oven for 40 minutes or till cooked)

TO ASSEMBLE
Ingredients : slice open 6 sausage buns, a bunch of cilantro (cut into 1" length), grilled lemongrass chicken & pickled daikon & carrots. Some mayonnaise optional.

My boy loves it so much and he ended taking three buns in a roll. Oh well, he at least left the remaining buns and not forgotten us. haha..... So, I am blessed !