What to Serve with a Banh Mi Sandwich? Try These 14 Side Dishes

Do you have a hankering for an incredibly flavorful Banh Mi sandwich?

Packed with juicy pork, pickled veggies, and spicy mayo served on crusty Vietnamese-style baguettes; they’ve grown in popularity over the last few decades.

But, even though it’s easy enough to make one of these tasty sandwiches at home, do you know what goes best on the side?

While there is no right or wrong answer, we’ve rounded up some delicious sides that pair beautifully with this popular street food.

Check out our list of 14 dishes that will totally elevate your banh mi experience!

What to Serve with a Banh Mi Sandwich? Try These 14 Side Dishes

1. Spicy Lemongrass Tofu

–

This dish is a vegan version of the classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich.

The lemongrass tofu has a slightly spicy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables and the crunch of the baguette.

The dish can be made as simple or as complex as you want, but we’ve provided some tips on how to elevate it to make it extra special.

The key to making this dish really delicious is to get the tofu as crispy as possible.

This can be achieved by pan-frying it until it’s golden brown and slightly charred around the edges.

Be sure to use high-quality tofu that has been well-pressed so that it doesn’t fall apart when cooking.

If you’re not a fan of tofu, you could also use chicken or pork in this recipe.

Another way to add flavor and texture to this dish is to include pickled vegetables.

These can be store-bought or homemade and add a nice acidic balance to the rich lemongrass tofu.

We also like to top our banh mi with fresh cilantro and jalapeno peppers for an extra kick of flavor.

2. Chili Garlic Noodles

–

Chili garlic noodles are the perfect side dish for a banh mi sandwich.

They are full of flavor and have a great texture that pairs well with the sandwich.

The best part about chili garlic noodles is that they are very easy to make and can be made in advance.

To make chili garlic noodles, start by cooking the noodles according to package instructions.

Once they are cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, mix together the noodles, sesame oil, chili paste, garlic, and green onions.

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.

These noodles can be enjoyed as is or elevated with a few additional ingredients.

For more protein, add some cooked shrimp or chicken.

For a vegetarian option, tofu would be a great addition.

You could also top the noodles with a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

3. Grilled Eggplant with Sweet Hoisin Sauce

–

Grilled eggplant is a delicious, healthy option for a side dish.

The eggplant is grilled until it’s soft and slightly charred, then smothered in a sweet hoisin sauce.

This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with your guests.

The key to making this dish successful is to get the eggplant perfectly cooked.

You want it to be soft and slightly charred but not burnt.

The sweet hoisin sauce complements the eggplant perfectly and elevates the dish to something special.

Here are some tips for grilling eggplant:

• Slice the eggplant into thick rounds or slices. Eggplant can be tricky to grill, so thicker slices will help ensure that it doesn’t fall through the grill grates.
• Brush the eggplant with olive oil before grilling. This will help prevent it from sticking to the grill and will also give it a nice flavor.
• Grill the eggplant over medium-high heat. You want the eggplant to cook quickly so that it doesn’t have a chance to dry out.

4. Wok-Fried Green Beans

–

Wok-fried green beans are a delicious, quick, and easy side dish that pairs well with any meal.

The beans are cooked in a hot wok until they are slightly charred and have a slight crunch to them.

The resulting dish is full of flavor and can be easily customized to your liking.

One of the best things about wok-fried green beans is that they can be made to taste however you like them.

If you prefer your green beans to be on the sweeter side, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to the pan when you are cooking them.

For a more savory dish, you can add soy sauce or fish sauce to the pan.

You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers.

Wok-fried green beans are best served immediately after they are cooked.

However, if you need to make them ahead of time, you can reheat them in the microwave or in a hot pan before serving.

5. Vietnamese Spring Rolls

–

Vietnamese spring rolls are a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for any occasion.

They are made with rice paper wrappers and are typically filled with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein.

They can be served as an appetizer or main course and are often served with dipping sauces.

The taste and texture of Vietnamese spring rolls are unique and refreshing.

The rice paper wrappers are thin and delicate, while the fillings are crunchy and flavorful.

The dipping sauces add an extra layer of flavor and can be used to customize the dish to your liking.

There are many ways to elevate this dish and make it even more special.

One way is to use high-quality ingredients such as fresh herbs, organic vegetables, and grass-fed beef or seafood.

Another way is to experiment with different dipping sauces, such as peanut sauce or hoisin sauce.

You can also add other items to the rolls, such as avocado or mango.

Whatever you do, Vietnamese spring rolls are sure to be a hit.

6. Noodle Salad

–

This noodle salad is a great side dish to any meal, but it especially goes well with a banh mi sandwich.

The noodles are light and airy, while the vegetables add a crunchy texture.

The best part about this dish is that it can be easily elevated to suit your taste.

The taste of the noodle salad is light and refreshing, with a slight sweetness from the dressing.

The textures vary between the crunchy vegetables and the soft noodles.

This dish is easy to customize to your liking.

For example, you could add more or less dressing, depending on how sweet you want it to be.

You could also add different vegetables, such as shredded carrots or chopped green onions.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, try serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp.

The protein will add some heartiness to the meal, and the smoky flavor from the grill will complement the lightness of the noodles and vegetables.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this noodle salad is sure to be a hit.

7. Vietnamese Caramelised Shrimps

–

Vietnamese caramelized shrimps are a delicious way to enjoy seafood.

The shrimp are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, making them both flavorful and juicy.

The dish is typically served with rice but can also be enjoyed on its own.

The taste and texture of the shrimp are what makes this dish so special.

The shrimp are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, making them both flavorful and juicy.

The dish is typically served with rice but can also be enjoyed on its own.

There are a few tips that can help you elevate this dish.

First, be sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

Second, if you want a more intense flavor, you can cook the shrimp in the sauce for longer.

Third, if you want a more traditional presentation, you can serve the shrimp over rice.

8. Vietnamese Coffee

–

Vietnamese coffee is a strong, rich coffee that is usually served with condensed milk.

The coffee is brewed using a phin, a small metal filter, and then poured over sweetened condensed milk.

This results in a coffee that is both sweet and strong.

The taste of Vietnamese coffee is unique and intense.

The coffee is often described as being “bold” or “robust.

” The sweetness from the condensed milk helps to offset the bitterness of the coffee, making it more palatable for some people.

However, if you are not used to drinking strong coffee, it can be quite overwhelming.

There are a few things you can do to make Vietnamese coffee more palatable.

First, try using less condensed milk.

This will help to tone down the sweetness and make the coffee less rich.

You can also try brewing the coffee for a shorter amount of time so that it is not as strong.

Finally, pour the coffee into a glass so that it cools down quickly and drink it black.

By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy Vietnamese coffee without feeling overwhelmed by its strength.

9. Grilled Pork Chops

–

Grilled pork chops are a delicious and easy way to cook pork for a summer meal.

They can be served as is or with a variety of sides.

The key to great grilled pork chops is to get the perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

When it comes to taste, grilled pork chops can be slightly sweet or savory, depending on your preference.

They have a firm texture with a bit of chewiness.

The fat content in pork also helps to keep the meat moist, so you don’t have to worry about them drying out.

To get the best flavor, try marinating your pork chops in a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices before grilling.

This will help to infuse them with flavor and also help to tenderize the meat.

When you’re ready to grill, make sure to use high heat so that you get a nice sear on the outside of the chop without overcooking it.

Grilled pork chops are best served hot off the grill, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

If you’re looking for side dish ideas, try serving them with roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or grilled vegetables.

10. Crispy Fried Spring Rolls

–

Crispy fried spring rolls are a staple of Vietnamese cuisine.

They are traditionally made with pork, shrimp, and vegetables wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until crisp.

These spring rolls are delicious and perfect for sharing.

The taste and texture of crispy fried spring rolls are unmatched.

The rice paper wrapper is thin and delicate, while the filling is juicy and flavorful.

When deep-fried, the spring rolls become even more irresistible with their crispy exterior.

There are many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to use a variety of fillings such as duck, chicken, or beef.

You can also add different vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or jicama.

Finally, don’t forget to dip them in your favorite sauce.

11. Crab Rangoon

–

Crab Rangoon is a dish that is often served as an appetizer or side dish.

It is made with crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings and then fried.

The taste and texture of Crab Rangoon can vary depending on how it is prepared.

One way to elevate the taste of Crab Rangoon is to use fresh crab meat instead of canned or frozen.

This will give the dish a more authentic flavor.

Another tip is to use a higher quality cream cheese, such as one that is made with real butter.

This will make the filling richer and more decadent.

12. Sweet and Sour Soup

–

Sweet and sour soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

The soup is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, including carrots, onions, celery, and mushrooms, that are simmered in a broth made with chicken or beef stock.

The soup is then seasoned with sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce to create the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

The soup can be served as is or with a variety of toppings, including chopped green onions, diced tofu, or cooked rice.

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of sesame oil to the soup before serving.

Sweet and sour soup is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge.

If you want to make the soup ahead of time, it can easily be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

13. Vegetable Curry

–

When it comes to side dishes, there are endless possibilities.

But sometimes, you just want something that’s hearty, filling, and comforting.

That’s where vegetable curry comes in.

This dish is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to your liking.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.

Vegetable curry is usually made with a mix of cooked vegetables, spices, and coconut milk.

This dish can be served on its own or over rice.

The best part about vegetable curry is that it can be tailored to your taste.

If you like things spicy, add more chili powder or curry paste.

If you prefer a creamier curry, add more coconut milk.

And if you want a bit more of a crunch, add some chopped peanuts or cashews on top.

To elevate this dish even further, try serving it with some naan bread or roti for dipping.

You can also top it with fresh cilantro or green onions for a bit of color and extra flavor.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, vegetable curry is always a good choice.

14. Fish Sauce Wings

–

These wings are absolutely dripping in deliciousness.

The fish sauce gives them a salty, savory flavor that is completely unique and addicting.

And the texture. These wings are crispy on the outside but succulent and juicy on the inside.

They practically melt in your mouth.

If you’re looking to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.

First, try serving them with a dipping sauce on the side.

A sweet chili sauce or even honey mustard would be delicious.

You could also garnish the wings with some fresh herbs like cilantro or chives.

Another great way to enjoy these wings is to eat them alongside a banh mi sandwich.

The combination of flavors is out-of-this-world good.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great side dishes that go well with a banh mi sandwich.

From noodles and soups to grilled meats and vegetables, there is something for everyone.

I hope this blog post has been helpful in finding the perfect side dish for your next banh mi sandwich.

Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great ideas on what to serve with your banh mi sandwich.