Pork Roll Bahn-Mi
A Jersey twist on a Vietnamese classic.
This Pork Roll Banh-Mi blends the best of two worlds: the crisp French-inspired baguette and fresh Vietnamese herbs, layered with New Jersey’s favorite — Taylor Ham (aka pork roll). Add a tangy kick of pickled carrots and daikon, plus a creamy chili garlic “dynamite” sauce, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s spicy, savory, and downright addictive.
In this Banh-Mi, pork roll (a salty, smoky, and slightly sweet meat that’s somewhere between Canadian bacon and bologna) works perfectly because it delivers:
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Savory richness that balances the tangy pickled veggies
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A crisp texture when fried, contrasting beautifully with the soft baguette
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A nostalgic, comforting flavor that turns this Vietnamese-inspired sandwich into a Jersey fusion favorite
Its saltiness also pairs beautifully with the chili garlic mayo, cutting through the creaminess while adding depth. Basically — it’s the unexpected twist that makes this sandwich unforgettable.
The Ingredients
I am a big sandwich fan, and even more so when it's filled with veggies (that are gut healthy). This recipe is all about bold flavor and perfect texture.
Sandwich Components:
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1 whole baguette (crusty on the outside, soft inside)
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Pork roll (Taylor brand) – thinly sliced
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Munster cheese – melts beautifully and adds a creamy, buttery flavor
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Pickled Spicy Carrots and Daikon – use your homemade version (see Pickled Carrots & Daikon with Tamarind recipe) or toss shaved carrots and daikon with chili garlic paste and rice vinegar for a quick substitute
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Fresh cilantro – adds that signature herbal brightness
Chili Garlic Dynamite Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp chili garlic paste (Huy Fong brand recommended)
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½ tsp sesame oil
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½ tsp soy sauce
The Method
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayo, chili garlic paste, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Mix until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to assemble your sandwich.
Step 2: Prep the Pork Roll
Thinly slice your pork roll and cut three small slits around the edges to keep it from curling while frying. Cook slices on a skillet or griddle until lightly crisped on both sides.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Slice your baguette lengthwise. Generously spread the chili garlic dynamite sauce on both sides. Add layers of fried pork roll and Munster cheese.
Step 4: Toast the Sandwich
Air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bread gets lightly toasted.
(If you don’t have an air fryer, toast in a skillet with a lid on, or place under the oven broiler for 2–3 minutes.)
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Top with pickled carrots and daikon and a handful of fresh cilantro. Slice, serve, and enjoy with extra dynamite sauce on the side for dipping.
Pairings
Serve this Pork Roll Banh-Mi with:
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Popcorn shrimp (using extra dynamite sauce as a dip!)
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Sweet potato fries or lotus chips
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A crisp Vietnamese iced coffee or cold beer
Pork Roll Bahn-Mi
Equipment
- Stove Top
Ingredients
- 1 whole baguette
- 10 slices pork roll Taylor brand
- 4 slices muster cheese
- ½ cup Pickled Spicy Carrots and Daikon see recipe linked, buy, or refer to ingredient notes above for substitute .
- 1 handful fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons Chili Garlic Dynamite Sauce
Chili Garlic Dynamite Sauce
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic paste or to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Make Sauce: Mix all chili garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Chill until ready.
- Cook Pork Roll: Slice and fry pork roll until crisp. Fry in a skillet, or flat cook top, on high heat approx. 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and place on plate with paper towel.
- Assemble Sandwich: Cut baguette, spread sauce, layer pork roll and cheese.
- Toast: Air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes or broil until cheese melts.
- Top and Serve: Add pickled carrots, daikon, and cilantro. Serve with extra sauce
welcome!
Hi, I'm Margot Searls and my hope is to turn around recipes from my table to yours. The food you put on your table can truly turn your lifestyle around for the better—hence Turned Around Table.
