Gluten Free Vietnamese Banh Mi is a crave-worthy baguette sandwich. Vendors have the bread piled high with gluten-filled crumbs everywhere making it typically off-limits to gluten free eaters. But this is the kind of sandwich you can enjoy at home. My version features lemongrass chicken, but you can easily swap in beef, pork, or even pâté. I categorize this recipe as 'worth the effort'.
If you're going to the trouble of making these sandwiches you might want to make it a meal by adding this Cucumber Carrot Salad. Top off the effort with dairy free coconut ice cream. Make it a team effort and enjoy!
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Ingredients for Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich
I make my bahn mi sandwiches with lemongrass chicken but other meats and tofu are all popular, with other Vietnamese flavours.
- Gluten free hot dog buns (or sub buns) - Seek out gluten free bakeries, find your favourites and support local.
- Lemongrass chicken - If lemongrass is a new ingredient for you check out this post, how to use lemongrass. See recipe card for exact recipe ingredients or see substitutes for other options.
- Mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip) & Sriracha - This spicy mayo is a must on the North America version of this sandwich.
- Cucumber, carrot & cilantro - The classic combo, don't mess with it.
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Instructions
It's a simple sandwich but these prep steps will make them come together more easily.
- Prep vegetables and cilantro ahead of time.
- Combine the mayo and hot sauce in advance.
- I plan to make these with leftover Lemongrass Chicken from the night before or hiding in the freezer.
- Get your bread figured out and make your banh mi with ease.
Substitutes
- Gluten free hot dog buns - The classic sandwich is served on a baguette but a gluten free hot dog bun is an easy option and what I used in this photo.
- Lemongrass chicken - Popular menu options are beef, pork and tofu which all work with this lemongrass marinade. Pate is also popular as is any meat with satay marinade.
- Lemongrass - I prefer the ease and convenience of frozen chopped lemongrass. The conversion is 1 lemongrass stalk = 1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass.
- Sriracha - Your favourite hot sauce is always a good substitute.
More on Gluten Free Bread for Banh Mi
Vietnamese subs in North America use a traditional wheat baguette, while the baguettes in Vietnam are made with a combination of wheat flour and rice flour. Gluten free cooks learn to think outside the box when it comes to bread.
A banh mi sandwich is supposed to be soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. I opted for hot dog buns from a local company, Care Bakery, and I toasted them in the oven to make the outside a little crunchy. I was not disappointed.
I have also bought sub buns but they are too thick for what I want. I simply slice a thin piece out of the center of those buns and save it to toast for bruschetta.
Both brands, Shär and Promise Gluten Free, sell gluten free baguettes in North America. Learn more about these two companies in these podcast episodes.
- A Canadian Celiac Podacast episode 69 talks with Promise Gluten Free from Ireland
- A Canadian Celiac Podcast episode 38 Sue Jennett speaks with two reps for Schär Gluten Free.
Get The Tools
Home cooks are baking gluten free baguettes every day. If you're ready for that here's a link to Sue's baguette recipe over at Sue's Gluten Free Baking. Gluten free bakers buy this special baguette pan.
Top Pantry Tip
Stock lemongrass in your freezer. Although you can serve Vietnamese Bahn Mi with different fillings, lemongrass is an essential ingredient for Vietnamese cuisine. I buy frozen, chopped lemongrass, so I can make any Thai or Vietnamese recipe without a special trip to the store.
Gluten Free Vietnamese Banh Mi
Ingredients
THE SANDWICH
- 6 gluten free hot dog buns , sub buns or baguette
- 3 cups cooked, sliced or cubed chicken lemongrass chicken recipe below
- 6 tablespoon mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce
- 1½ cups long pieces of julienned cucumber
- 1½ cups julienned carrot
- 12 long pieces of cilantro on the stem
OPTIONAL
- 1 jalapeno
- ¼ cup thinly sliced onion
LEMONGRASS CHICKEN
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chile sauce (I like Sambal oelek)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon chopped ginger
- 2 tablespoon frozen, chopped lemongrass (or 2 fresh stalks trimmed and finely chopped)
Instructions
Marinate LEMONGRASS CHICKEN
- Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken. Marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight. Grill until cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side depending on the thickness.
- Cube or cut to fit the buns. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Make Sriracha Mayo
- Combine mayonnaise and Sriracha. Set aside.
ASSEMBLY
- Lightly toast buns. Spread one side with butter and the other with the Sriracha-mayo.
- Add lemongrass chicken, cucumber, carrot and cilantro. Top with onion and jalapeno if using. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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More Recipes Using Lemongrass
If you bought lemongrass or just want more ways to try it, here you go!
- In this recipe the Pork and Shrimp mixture is threaded onto lemongrass skewers and it infuses the combination for an outstanding starter.
- Try this Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup with coconut milk and lemongrass. It's amazing!
- I made these subs with Lemongrass Chicken but the chicken can also be the star of the meal.
- If lemongrass is new to you check out this post, How To Use Lemongrass.
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