In a lunch-time rut? Tired of the same old boring salad? Try this fresh take on a classic Vietnamese dish for a satisfying vegan sandwich!
Traditionally, bahn mi (which means “bread” in Vietnamese) is made of grilled meat, pate, and pickled veggies. It’s crunch, creamy, and filling, and our vegan version is no different! We swap the meat for roasted cauliflower, which is marinated in a sticky-sweet sauce that gives the sandwich its depth of flavor. We use vegan mayo instead of the original egg-based aioli, but keep the bright pickled vegetables!
Start marinating your carrots at least 15 minutes before you plan to assemble your lunch. You could even start the process at breakfast: the longer the carrots sit in the marinade the better they’ll taste.
When lunch rolls around, pile a crusty baguette high with the cauliflower, carrots, and spicy aioli. Top with cucumbers and cilantro for a fresh kick. Enjoy!
Vegan Cauliflower Banh Mi
Ingredients
Marinated Carrot
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar
- 1 cup thinly sliced or shredded carrot
Cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ cauliflower head cut in florets
Aioli
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
To assemble:
- Sliced cucumber
- Handful of fresh cilantro roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 ℉.
- Prepare the marinated carrots: Mix vinegar, salt and sugar in a small bowl. Add the shredded carrots and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes. Store in fridge if marinating for any longer.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Mix chili garlic sauce, tamari, maple syrup, lime juice, and avocado oil in a medium bowl. Add cauliflower florets and toss to combine.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a baking sheet pan and roast for 25 minutes.
- Prepare the aioli: While the cauliflower bakes, make the aioli by stirring together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- To assemble the sandwiches: Slice the baguettes in half and toast lightly in the oven. Spread aioli on both sides of the baguette, then add the cauliflower, the marinated carrots, cucumber slices, and fresh sprigs of cilantro. Dig in!
Jane Rushing
Please don’t send me any more Noochie cheese supplement. I have over ordered and I have none bags. Thank yoiu!