** A very big thank you for sharing the happiness and relief of Dozer’s ongoing recovery post surgery. I’m so touched by all the support. ❤️ Now I can get back to my day job – GREAT FOOD!**
Here’s my recipe for Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi, possibly the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life! Stuffed with juicy pork belly meat with ultra crispy crackling, this Vietnamese sandwich has all the essential banh mi fixings plus a special secret banh mi sauce. Out of all the types of banh mi I make, this is my favourite!
Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
I recently had the best banh mi of my life at a place called Ca Com in Melbourne. It was a banh mi stuffed with crispy pork belly with a special sauce and plenty of banh mi fixings, and it was absolutely incredible. The standout was the pork itself which was ridiculously juicy with superior crispy crackling!
In fact, in recent years I’ve noticed more people ordering pork belly banh mi over the classic “mystery pork slices” version, an observation consistent with an Instagram poll I ran where 57% of respondents voted for crispy pork over the classic mystery pork slices (16%). Does that surprise you? It did me!
As wildly popular as the pork belly Banh mi is, it is actually quite hard to find really good ones, with dry meat and not-so-crispy-crackling the most common shortfall. So in case you don’t live around the corner from Ca Com (like me, all the way up in Sydney!), here’s my copycat recipe.
It’s not exactly the same (for example, they don’t use pâté, I insist of sticking with this tradition), but I’ve taken inspiration from theirs, including a copycat of their special banh mi sauce. I hope you become as obsessed with this as I have!
Authenticity background – it is!
In case you are curious, crispy pork belly banh mi does exist in Vietnam. The “mystery pork slices” version is still considered the classic, but banh mi shops and street vendors offer all sorts of filling options, from grilled meats to meatballs, chicken to egg. Crispy pork is not as common with street vendors (I think practicality might be a factor, because of the cooking logistics and cost) but it does exist.
Anatomy of a Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
Here’s what makes up a pork belly banh mi. There’s some gathering involved (oh yes, and a simple crispy crackling pork belly to make 😂). But once gathered (and crackled), assembly is a breeze! Excellent food for gatherings, particularly in summer.
Crispy pork belly (don’t worry, I have a tried-and-proven easy crispy crackling trick!)
Spreads – mayonnaise and pate
Pickled vegetables – carrot and daikon (white radish)
Fresh veg – coriander/cilantro, cucumber slices
Garnishes – fresh chilli, coriander/cilantro, crispy Asian shallots (optional, store bought)
Special banh mi sauce – A hoisin coconut milk mixture, copycat of the sauce used by Ca Com!
Crusty bread roll
Slow roasted Crispy Pork Belly for banh mi
Using the tried and true (easy!) tips in my Crispy Pork Belly recipe, this pork belly has terrifically crispy crackling that is crispy from edge to edge – no rubbery spots – with a tender fall-apart-flesh. It’s initially slow roasted to make the meat tender and dry out the skin, then blasted at a high heat to make the skin crispy.
Guaranteed crispy skin tips
Here are my little tricks that make all the difference to ensure we get crispy skin!
DO NOT SCORE THE SKIN. A) you don’t need to score for crispy crackling. B) It’s risky. All it takes is an accidental pinprick piercing of the flesh and the juices that bubble up through that tiny hole will spread and result in a 10 cm/4″ patch of rubbery skin. While skilled butchers would never make this mistake, do you know who scored the pork belly you bought – an apprentice or a high school kid working in the grocery store meat department? No we do not! Don’t risk it.
Fridge dry – Dry the skin overnight in the fridge, uncovered. Even a few hours in the fridge is effective. This is an insurance policy step that is recommended. If you skip it (especially if your pork belly was vac packed) you are not allowed to complain if your pork belly is not as crazy crispy as mine! 😂
Level your pork – Use foil balls to level your pork belly so the skin is sitting as flat as possible. This will ensure even distribution of heat across your pork belly skin for superior crackling. If you don’t do this step, you’ll find that the lower points don’t crackle well – if at all.
And that, my friends, is all the pertinent information I need to impart for crispy crackling pork belly. Then just follow the simple recipe steps! Here’s a visual summary:
INGREDIENTS FOR PORK BELLY
Here’s what you need to make the crispy pork belly. Chinese five spice powder isn’t traditional but I like to add it for a touch of extra flavour. So consider it optional – there’s so many other things going on in banh mi, you won’t miss it.
Pork belly NOT SCORED – Look for a piece that is even thickness (rather than thin at one end and thicker at the other) with flat, smooth skin. This shape will crackle better and the flesh will cook through more evenly.
Not scored – As noted in the above section, make sure the skin is not scored. Check carefully if you buy a vac packed one because sometimes it’s hard to tell.
Oil – Just any neutral flavoured oil: canola, vegetable or peanut oil.
Salt – Essential for crackling. In fact, if you don’t put salt the skin, it won’t get that nice bubbly crispiness, it just becomes a flat sheet of hard skin.
Pepper – I actually like to use black pepper for pork belly, but white pepper is fine too.
Chinese five spice – As noted above, optional extra flavour!
How to make crispy pork belly for Banh Mi
The steps below are a slightly abbreviated version – because there is a LOT to say about crispy pork belly! For a full explanation of the why for particular steps and processes, please visit my Crispy Pork Belly recipe which has much more extensive information.
Fridge dry overnight or for a few hours, to really dry out the skin. This is a crispy crackling insurance policy that is especially recommended if you purchased your pork belly vac packed where the skin is fully soaked in juices for days/weeks! If you don’t have time, just pat the skin dry really well with paper towels.
Rub the flesh side with the oil, some of the salt, and all the pepper and Chinese Five spice.
Foil boat – Place the pork on a large sheet of foil and fold up the sides to create a “boat”. This holds all the pork fat in as it melts which keeps the flesh super juicy and moist. It’s essentially almost confit-ing in its own fat!
Salt the skin – Rub a bit of oil on the skin then sprinkle the salt evenly across the surface. Take your time with this step because as noted above in the ingredients section, salt = lovely bubbly crackling!
Slow roast for 2 hours at a low 140°C/275°F (all oven types). During this stage, the flesh will become beautifully tender and the skin will dry out but it will still be rubbery at this stage.
Oven temperature & time – For this recipe, I use the same oven temperature for both fan and standard ovens because at lower temperatures, there is less difference between the two. Astute cooks may also note the time is slightly shorter than the Crispy Pork Belly recipe. This is because we don’t need the pork quite so “fall apart” for use in banh mi as it is chopped up into pieces.
Level the skin – After the slow roasting time, the pork will be a bit wonky (meat fibres shrink as they cook) and the skin will still be rubbery. Use foil balls to prop up the lower parts of the belly so the skin is as level as possible so the heat distribution will be more even across the surface and thereby ensuring it crackles evenly!
Here is what it looks like before and after levelling.
Crackle it! Then blast the pork belly in a hot 240°C/465°F (all oven types) for 30 minutes, rotating as needed (if your oven heat is patchy) and using scraps of foil if needed to protect parts that crackle faster.
Admire – Pull the pork out of the oven and admire the brilliant crackling you just made, and resist the urge to peel the whole sheet off and run away with it!
Once the pork belly is cooked, we cut it into thick slices then into chunks to stuff into the banh mi.
Other Crispy pork belly banh mi fixings
There’s no denying for this banh mi, the star player is the crispy pork. But the other elements are important too! Here’s what you need.
special banh mi sauce
The standard sauce for banh mi sandwiches is Maggi Seasoning (think of it as an MSG enhanced soy sauce) or a derivation thereof. And while it’s ideal for classic mystery pork slices banh mi, I personally never felt that it really worked with pork belly slices. For one, a watery sauce doesn’t cling to pork belly hunks. And for another, watery sauces softens crispy crackling faster. Criminal.
So when I saw the banh mi fairies at Ca Com drizzle a thick dark brown sauce on the pork belly, I broke out into applause. Genius! I declared. Followed by – what’s in it?
Here’s what’s in it!
pickled carrots and daikon
This is the most common type of pickles I’ve seen in banh mi. They are classic Asian pickles – the tang is not as sharp as Western ones (because rice vinegar is not as sharp as most western vinegars), and they are more sweet than salty (but not overly sweet like some western ones tend to be).
Using carrots and daikon is an easy way to ensure you get great crunch in the pickles! Find the recipe for these pickles here.
vegetables and herbs
Classic banh mi typical includes thin slices of cucumber and green onion, often cut to the length of the bread roll. It’s not much, but enough to add a hint of juicy crunch from the cucumber and freshness from green onion which jumbles together with everything else to create the greatness that is a banh mi eating experience.
SPREADS
As for the spreads, I’m sticking with tradition here: pâté and mayonnaise. If you skip the pâté, it ain’t a banh mi!😊
Making the banh mi
Putting the banh mi tougher is just about the order in which it is assembled. And stuffing generously. Nobody wants a stingy banh mi!!
Pate first – spread on the base of the roll.
Mayo next – then spread the mayonnaise on top of the pate.
Vegetables – Pile the pickled vegetables non the pate, then plate the cucumber slices and green onion against the lid of the roll.
Pork – Then pile the pork in!
Sauce & coriander – Next, shove plenty of coriander down the side of the pork and drizzle everything with the banh mi sauce. Be as generous as you want – I use about 1 tablespoon.
Garnish – And finally, garnish! As much fresh chilli as you dare and a shower of crispy shallots (if using).
And with that, you are done and about to experience one of the greatest sandwiches of your life!!
Why we make crispy pork belly banh mi
We here in Sydney are blessed with an increasing number of banh mi shops, ranging from modern funky ones to traditional banh mi stands in Vietnamese neighbourhoods. However, as noted earlier, it is actually quite hard to find really good pork belly banh mi, with the pork itself being the letdown. The meat is not that juicy, the crackling not always crispy.
Having said that, even if the meat is not perfect, it is still a very enjoyable sandwich, thanks to all the other banh mi fixings. They are also typically extremely good value, with an enormous amount of pork for the price you pay. I understand why they are popular!
But, this homemade version? It is better than any I’ve had in Sydney. You just can’t beat the experience of fresh homemade pork belly.
The other cause to make this of course, is if you do not happen to live in an area with (good) banh mi shops, and for cost reasons too because this recipe will make 5 generously stuffed banh mi for around $30 – $35, depending on the price you pay for pork belly.
I really hope you try this one day. It is truly an exceptional eating experience! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
Ingredients
Crispy pork belly for banh mi
- 1kg / 2 lb pork belly with skin on , NOT SCORED. Look for 3 – 3.5cm / 1.2 – 1.6" thick, even thickness with flat, unwrinkled skin, preferably not vac-packed (Note 1)
- 1 1/2 tsp canola or vegetable oil , divided
- 1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice , optional (you won't miss it)
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt , divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or white pepper)
Special banh mi sauce (Ca Com copy!)
- 4 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp coconut milk , full fat
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce (mainly for colour, sub light or regular soy)
To make the banh mi (5 rolls)
- 5 crusty white rolls (lightly oven toast to crisp if crust is softened)
- 120g/ 4 oz chicken pate (Note 2)
- 6 tbsp whole-egg mayonnaise or Kewpie
- 1 batch Vietnamese pickled carrots and daikon
- 3 green onion stems , cut to length of rolls (2 to 3 pieces per roll)
- 2 cucumbers , finely sliced using vegetable peeled or knife
- 2 cups coriander/cilantro leaves and small sprigs
- 3 Birds Eye or Thai chillis , finely sliced
- 8 tbsp crispy fried shallots , store bought (Note 3)
Instructions
Crispy pork belly for banh mi
- Dry skin overnight: Place pork belly on a plate. Pat skin dry with paper towels. Leave uncovered in fridge overnight to dry out the skin. (If you don't have time, pat the skin dry as best you can).
- Preheat oven to 140°C/285°F (both fan and standard ovens).
- Season flesh: Drizzle flesh side with 1 tsp oil. Sprinkle over 1/2 tsp salt, and all the pepper and Chinese five spice. Rub all over the flesh, including on the sides.
- Foil boat: Place 2 pieces of foil on a work surface. Put the belly in middle of foil, skin side up. Fold the sides in to enclose the belly, forming an open box, pinching corners to seal tightly and make it as snug as possible. Place meat on a tray.
- Season skin: Pat skin dry with paper towels. Rub with 1/2 tsp oil then sprinkle remaining 1/2 tsp salt evenly all over the skin surface, from edge to edge.
- Slow roast 2 hours: Place in the oven and roast for 2 hours, tightening the foil around the pork after 1 hour (the pork will shrink). This protects the flesh from drying out.
- Increase heat: Remove pork from oven, then increase heat to 240°C/465°F (all oven types).
- Level pork: Remove pork from foil, discard fat and foil. Place pork on a rack set over a tray. Use scrunched up balls of foil stuffed under pork to prop it up so the skin surface is as level and horizontal as possible (see photos in post).
- 30 minutes blast! Place the pork back in the oven for 30 minutes, rotating after 15 minutes as needed, until the crackling is deep golden, puffy and crispy all over. If some patches are browning faster, protect with foil patches.
- Rest 10 minutes: Remove pork from oven. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Making the banh mi
- Sauce – Mix the ingredients in a bowl then set aside. This will keep for 5 days in the fridge .
- Chop pork – Cut the pork into 1 1/2 cm / 0.6" thick slices, then each slide into 1 1/2 cm / 0.6" chunks.
- Split & spread – Split the roll in half down the side, keeping the lid attached. Smear the base with 1 1/2 tbsp of pate, then 1 1/2 tbsp of mayonnaise (on top of the pate)
- Stuff – Pile about 1/3 cup pickled vegetables on the mayonnaise. Lay 2 slices of cucumber and 2 green onions against the lid. Pile pork on top. Drizzle pork with 1 tbsp of sauce. Stuff coriander/cilantro down the side, sprinkle with chilli then2 tablespoons of crispy shallots as you want (if using).
- Serving – Eat immediately! Banh mi is definitely one of those foods best eaten freshly made!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
So great to continue to see progress with Dozer’s recovery post op! Here he is at his first outing to the park since his surgery. 🙂
This surgery really took it out of him. Combined with his lack of exercise for the better part of the last 7 weeks, I’m taking his rehab slowly. His breathing is still a bit hoarse when he pants, but the most relieving thing for me is that he doesn’t have his panicked breathing episodes (think – asthma attack) multiple times a day. He sleeps through the night peacefully and quietly and is restful during the day.
And I’ve got my shoot-studio companion back. 🥰 He hasn’t figured out yet that he can no longer taste test (see this post for why). He also doesn’t realise I’m shooting pickled vegetables here.😂
Leanne Davidson says
so good to see Dozer out and about he is looking good. Off to the shops tomorrow guess what I am making Sunday
Karen says
So good to see Dozer out and about and on the mend he will get stronger day by day. Give him a kiss from me xx
Allison says
I’m goodness, I love a good Bahn Mi! When I cook pork belly, I always do a big piece so there are leftovers for Bahn Mi lunches the next day (reheated in the air fryer). I like mine spicy! so I mix siricha with my mayo. I’m intrigued with your sauce idea though … and now I want to try it!! Guess who is off to the supermarket tomorrow!!
Sending licks and butt-sniffs to Dozer from my 2 small floof-balls and belly rubs and raspberries from me! (My dogs love belly raspberries lol)
Allison says
Oops, I meant “Oh my goodness” … as wonderful as I am, I wouldn’t claim to say “I’m goodness” hahaha!!
Robyn says
Oops have read chicken pate
😊
Robyn says
Nagi what sort of pate do you recommend
Antonietta says
What a beautiful boy!
So happy to see him out and about.
Love to you both.
Anne says
So good to see Dozer
Gorgeous Boy 💕
Liz Gibson says
Until now, believe it or not, even having spent time in Vietnam, the best Banh Mi (for our tastebuds at least) have been found, of all places, in a tiny Cafe next to the post office in Rutherford NSW! Pate and all. Now , especially since we’ve moved too far away, Nagi has saved us, now we can do our own, as long as I can find rolls!
Mswrkmn says
Happy your boy continues to get better! So pate and mayo is part of the yum ( I had this sandwich tonight from a local Vietnamese place!) Yours looks better and u can’t wait to make it. I did like the jalapeño peppers on his, I can’t take too much heat!
Stacy McTavish says
Yum! Have made your regular Banh Mi and the meatball variation and your crispy pork belly so am super excited about this recipe – I foresee Saturday’s lunch involving Banh Mi! Thanks as always Nagi and so happy Dozer is on the mend
Stacy McTavish says
Couldn’t wait so made these yesterday and we all agreed with you – best Banh Mi ever, even nicer than your other versions, and they’re delicious too! Thank you Nagi
Yvonne says
Hi Nagi – love it that Dozer is doing well!!! Try the crispy roast pork Banh Mi at Top Ryde shopping centre, nearby Woolworths, it’s THE best! … and it had pate on it. Very generous fillings – and the queue is rarely less than 20, as soon as the place opens. I counted 45 one day. They take phone orders – and the owners are LOVELY!!!!
Ailsa McQuade says
Ah so pate is the ingredient I just couldnt figure out . I’m going to have to get pork belly & pate now aren’t I. (Yay) . So pleased Dozer is back on the job, light duties from now on (drooling only)
Steve says
Awesome as always, I’m going to have to try that soon!
Great to see Dozer on the mend. Our hearts go out to you both.
Hilary Holliday says
This all looks divine! Where do you recommend for light crusty rolls for Banh Mi, Nagi? Do you go to a Vietnamese bakery? That’s what’s put me off making/having them in the past. But have just returned from Singapore where I had an amazing BM in Maxwell Hawker Centre. The roll was so light and crusty, I don’t think I’ve ever had one like that in Australia…
Clare says
No more sick-leave Dozer – back to it. You are such a professional! So glad to hear you are on the mend. I think Nagi should do another photo shoot of you stealing from your new diet! Go well, you two.
Lesley Wee says
Dozer back at work 🙏🧡🐾
So happy for you Dozer 🤗
Best sandwich eh
Cannot wait to try Nagi
Take ❤good care.
G nite from Vancouver🇨🇦
Just settling into bed…looking at recipes 🤓
Ailsa McQuade says
What a nice way to send yourself to sleep. I Hope you didn’t wake up super hungry. Niteynitexxx 😄🤗
Ella says
🙏🧡🐾