Peanut Butter Banh Mi

If you haven’t tried a Bánh Mì sandwich yet, you are seriously missing out. Alas, worry not, for I am about to remedy that tragedy. If you haven’t even heard of Bánh Mì, well, I can fix that too. Let’s get our culture on for a split second.

The sandwich originated in Vietnam during French colonial rule and is characterized by it’s French-Vietnamese fusion ingredients, which include some source of protein (pork, chicken, tofu, etc. ), a mayonnaise spread, pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro (coriander). Traditionally, the term “bánh mì” actually refers to the bread that is used for the sandwich, which happens to be a thin French baguette. However, as it gained popularity, the sandwich as a whole became generally recognized as “bánh mì.”

My first Bánh Mì experience was mind-blowing. I was enjoying live music at the local Saturday Market in the town square with my wonderful boyfriend. So I guess you can say that all the positive factors for the perfect first experience were all there. The sandwich really made an impression on us, and before we knew it we were experimenting with the ingredients and making versions of our own! My Peanut Butter Banh Mi was a result of this on-going love-affair, and my love for it only grows stronger with every bite!

Peanut Butter Banh Mi

Ingredients:

• Whole Grain Tortilla or a Whole Grain Baguette
• Shredded or Cubed Chicken mixed with Asian Peanut Butter Paste
• Fresh Spinach
• ½ of a Small Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Carrot
• 1/2 of a Cucumber
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (Coriander)
• 1 clove Garlic, chopped or minced
• Juice of Half of a Lemon
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ⅛  tsp Cracked Black Pepper
• Greek Yogurt (I use Fage 0%)

Directions:

Chop the cilantro and cut the carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper into matchsticks and place in a bowl. Add the garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and mix.

Spread each tortilla or slice of baguette with a little greek yogurt (about 1 Tbsp). Layer with fresh spinach, peanut butter chicken, and mixed vegetables. Dig in!

I love using peanut butter chicken in this recipe, but it also tastes amazing with seasoned pork or shrimp. It is so versatile! Get inspired and let me know in how you like your Bánh Mì in the comments below!