Description
Smash Banh Mi Tacos combine the bold, vibrant flavors of traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches with the casual, handheld fun of tacos. Featuring savory ground pork seasoned with classic Asian sauces, crisp pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a spicy sriracha mayo, all wrapped in warm tortillas, this dish offers an easy, delicious fusion perfect for quick dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Filling
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Pinches of salt and pepper
Pickled Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced daikon radish
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
Toppings and Garnishes
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 fresh chilies, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickled Vegetables: In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Place the shredded carrots and sliced daikon radish in a separate bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over them. Set aside to pickle for at least 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the tangy flavors.
- Cook the Pork Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until smooth. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice preference.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas either in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp towel and warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until pliable.
- Assemble the Smash Banh Mi Tacos: Spread a teaspoon of sriracha mayo on each warm tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked pork mixture onto each. Top with pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, and sliced fresh chilies if using. Squeeze lime wedges over the tacos for an added burst of citrusy freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Smash Banh Mi Tacos immediately while warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the perfect balance of savory, tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Pickled vegetables can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavor.
- Use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference; flour tortillas provide a softer texture while corn adds a slight crunch.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayo to control the heat level.
- Try substituting ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil for an aromatic twist.
