You can enjoy the fresh flavour combination of a traditional Vietnamese-style banh mi — but with no meat at all! This simple sandwich is a great meatless Monday option and you’ll be craving the left overs all week. You’ve probably seen a vegetarian take on the classic banh mi made with tofu, but we like the heartiness and bold flavour of tempeh. Smothered with sweet BBQ sauce, it goes perfectly with a quick-pickled cabbage and carrots, crunchy cucumbers, spicy jalapenos and citrusy cilantro.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 brick/package tempeh (250 g)
½ cup favourite BBQ sauce
¼ cup water
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup carrot ribbons (or shredded)
½ cup white wine vinegar
½ cup water
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp raw sugar
½ tsp ground mustard
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp sea salt
¼ tsp ground pepper
1 long French-style baguette (divided into 4 pieces) OR 4 crusty rolls
½ cup vegan mayonnaise
3 field cucumbers, thinly sliced or shaved
¼ cup pickled jalapenos
1 cup cilantro leaves
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice tempeh into approximately ¼” thick slices. Whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce with ¼ cup water and marinate tempeh for 20 minutes in the fridge.
3. In small pot combine white wine vinegar with ½ cup water, minced garlic, raw sugar, ground mustard, cumin seeds, sea salt and ground pepper and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat, and submerge cabbage and carrots in the liquid. Refrigerate until ready to assemble sandwiches.
4. Lay marinated tempeh slices onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through baking time.
5. Prepare the baguette/buns by spreading 1 Tbsp of vegan mayonnaise on the inside of each side of the bun.
6. Shake excess liquid off pickled cabbage and carrots, and place a small handful on the bottom bun. Place a couple slices of baked tempeh on top and add cucumber, cilantro and pickled jalapenos.
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