Banh Mi Rice Bowl

The Banh Mi Rice Bowl is a delicious dish that combines Vietnamese flavors in a bowl format. It features marinated pork tenderloin, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, jalapeños, and spicy mayo over a base of rice. Key elements include a savory marinade with soy sauce and fish sauce, quick pickling of veggies, and a creamy spicy mayo. This meal is easy to customize and can be assembled quickly. To discover more about preparation and ingredients, one can explore further.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

When considering a new dish to try, the Banh Mi Rice Bowl stands out for several compelling reasons.

First, it combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist. Key ingredients include marinated pork tenderloin, pickled veggies, fresh cucumber, jalapeños, and spicy mayo. These components create a balance of savory, tangy, and spicy tastes.

Additionally, the dish is versatile, allowing for ingredient substitutions to suit personal preferences. The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, enhancing the dining experience.

Recipe

Banh Mi Rice Bowl is a delightful fusion dish that captures the vibrant flavors of the traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich in a hearty rice bowl format. This recipe features marinated pork tenderloin, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumbers, and a spicy mayo drizzle, all served over a bed of fluffy rice.

It’s a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. Preparing this dish involves a few steps, including marinating the pork, pickling the vegetables, and making the spicy mayo. Each component contributes to the overall flavor profile, guaranteeing that every bite is packed with deliciousness.

With a little planning, you can marinate the pork and pickle the veggies ahead of time, making the assembly of the rice bowl quick and easy when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup rice (white or jasmine)
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup radishes, julienned
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Add the pork tenderloin to the marinade, guaranteeing it is well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes.

3. Pickle the Vegetables: In a mason jar, combine water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the julienned carrots and radishes to the jar, seal it, and let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

4. Cook the Pork: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and sear in the skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

5. Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce until well combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice preference.

6. Assemble the Rice Bowl: In a bowl, place a serving of rice at the bottom. Top with sliced pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, and jalapeño. Drizzle with spicy mayo before serving.

Extra Tips:

For a well-rounded dish, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to enhance the flavor. You can also customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or sriracha in the mayo.

If you’re making this dish for meal prep, keep the components separate until you’re ready to enjoy to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Banh Mi Rice Bowl provides an opportunity to explore the delightful fusion of flavors that characterize this dish. This recipe combines marinated pork tenderloin, pickled vegetables, and fresh toppings.

Key components include:

• Marinated Pork: Offers rich, savory taste.
• Pickled Veggies: Adds tanginess and crunch.
• Fresh Herbs: Introduces brightness and aroma.
• Sriracha Mayo: Provides creaminess and spice.

Assembling the bowl allows for creativity, enabling variations based on personal preferences.

This dish serves as a satisfying meal, showcasing the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Overall, the Banh Mi Rice Bowl is a versatile option for flavorful dining experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork Tenderloin?

The individual pondered substituting chicken for pork tenderloin in their dish. While the flavor profile would differ, marinated chicken can be a delicious alternative, offering a lighter option that still complements the other ingredients effectively.

How Do I Make the Pickled Veggies Spicier?

To make pickled veggies spicier, one can add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the pickling solution. Alternatively, incorporating a splash of hot sauce enhances the overall heat and flavor profile.

What Can I Substitute for Sriracha in the Mayo?

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In the search for a sriracha substitute in mayo, options like chili garlic sauce, harissa, or a touch of hot sauce can elevate flavor without compromising the dish.

Can I Prepare the Ingredients in Advance?

Preparing ingredients in advance is highly effective. Marinating proteins, pickling vegetables, and creating sauces can be done ahead of time, enhancing flavors and streamlining the cooking process, allowing for a more efficient meal preparation experience.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

The question of gluten-free status arises often. It depends on the specific ingredients used; traditional components like soy sauce contain gluten, while alternatives exist. Careful selection guarantees a gluten-free version can be achieved.