As a culinary anthropologist with years of immersion in Southeast Asia’s vibrant food cultures, I’m excited to share my expertise on Vietnam’s crave-worthy street food creation: the Bánh mì nướng tôm. This iconic baguette sandwich, filled with succulent grilled shrimp, crispy vegetables, and zesty flavors, exemplifies the blend of Vietnamese and French colonial influences in the region’s cuisine. This article delves into step-by-step instructions to create an unforgettable Bánh mì nướng tôm experience wherever you are.
Introduction about Bánh mì nướng tôm
Bánh mì nướng tôm is a classic Vietnamese street food that combines the crunchiness of a grilled baguette with the savory sweetness of marinated shrimp. This sandwich is a go-to choice for a quick, satisfying lunch or snack.
What makes bánh mì nướng tôm a classic Vietnamese street food?
- Originated as a fusion dish blending French and Vietnamese culinary influences
- Portable – easy to eat on the go
- Satisfying – filling baguette with protein, veggies, and flavorful sauces
- Customizable – variety of ingredients allows personalization
- Balanced flavors – sweet, salty, spicy, savory, and acidic
- Texture contrast – crunchy baguette, tender shrimp, crispy vegetables
- Street food culture – popular snack sold by mobile vendors and street carts
What are the key components of a Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
The classic bánh mì nướng tôm sandwich contains:
- Marinated grilled shrimp – provides sweet, savory flavor
- Baguette – typically a crispy Vietnamese-style baguette
- Vegetables – cucumber, carrot, cilantro, and other fresh herbs
- Condiments – spicy mayonnaise, Maggi seasoning sauce
- Optional extras – jalapeños, pickled vegetables
Together these components create a symphony of complementary textures and bright, bold flavors.
Why is bánh mì nướng tôm a good choice for lunch or a snack?
There are many reasons why bánh mì nướng tôm makes an excellent quick meal or snack:
- Nutritious – high protein from shrimp, veggies provide vitamins
- Satisfying – fills you up with complex carbs from baguette
- Fast – can be assembled in just 5-10 minutes
- Affordable – typically costs $2-4 USD per sandwich
- Portable – easy to eat on the go, no utensils needed
- Customizable – tailor flavors and heat to your preferences
- Adaptable – can be either a light snack or hearty lunch
With its crowd-pleasing taste and convenience, it’s no wonder bánh mì nướng tôm is a go-to Vietnamese dish.
Ingredients to make bánh mì nướng tôm
Now let’s take a closer look at the components that go into assembling this classic grilled shrimp baguette sandwich.
What kind of shrimp should I use for Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
- Raw shrimp – medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Whiteleg shrimp – also called Pacific white shrimp or Litopenaeus vannamei
- Tiger prawns – also known as Black Tiger shrimp or Penaeus monodon
- Avoid pre-cooked shrimp which will dry out when grilling
Medium shrimp in the 21-25 count per pound size work well for getting full shrimp in each bite.
How do I marinate the shrimp for Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
- 1 lb shrimp
- 2 tbsp oil – vegetable, canola, peanut, or grapeseed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Combine marinade ingredients and add shrimp. Let marinate 15-30 minutes. The fish sauce adds a savory umami flavor while the lime brightens it up.
What type of baguette is best for Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
An airy, flaky, crispy Vietnamese-style baguette is ideal. Look for these characteristics:
- Thin crust – shatters with a crisp crunch
- Light interior – air pockets for grilling
- Rice flour – added for texture and flavor
- Long loaf – 10-12 inches works well
- Slash top – allows steam to escape while grilling
Baguettes with a sturdy crust will hold up well on the grill.
How do I prepare the baguette for grilling?
- Halve lengthwise – creates more surface area for grilling
- Brush with oil – helps exterior crisp up
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side – flipping once
- Optional: Spread interior with mayonnaise or butter before grilling for extra richness
Be careful not to over-grill or the baguette can become too crispy and dry. You want it to end up lightly charred with a tender, airy interior.
Ingredients in the dipping sauce for Grilled Shrimp Baguette
The classic dipping sauce combines spicy chile flavor with creamy, tangy accents:
- Mayonnaise – provides rich base
- Sriracha – infuses heat and vinegary spike
- Lime juice – bright, fresh citrus flavor
- Maggi seasoning – adds savory umami taste
- Optional extras: garlic, ginger, fish sauce, honey
Adjust the Sriracha level based on your desired spiciness. You can also substitute chili garlic sauce if you prefer more garlic flavor.
What fresh herbs are traditionally used in Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
- Cilantro – fresh, grassy flavor
- Mint – cooling, bright accent
- Basil – sweet, anise-like aroma
- Perilla – earthy, complex licorice notes
Cilantro and mint are most common. Perilla and basil add nice fragrant variations.
Instructions to make Bánh mì nướng tôm
Now let’s walk through the step-by-step process for assembling this flavor-packed Vietnamese grilled shrimp baguette sandwich.
What are the steps for marinating the shrimp?
- Peel and devein 1 lb raw shrimp, leaving tails on
- Whisk together marinade ingredients: oil, garlic, fish sauce, honey, black pepper, lime juice
- Add shrimp to marinade, toss to coat evenly
- Let marinate 15-30 minutes
- Thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling
How long should I grill the shrimp?
- 2-3 minutes per side – flip once halfway through
- Grill until opaque and pink on outside
- Do not overcook – shrimp will get tough and rubbery
- Brush with reserved marinade during last 30 seconds if desired
Grilling quickly at high heat helps caramelize exterior while keeping interior moist.
How do I grill the baguette for Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
- Halve baguette lengthwise
- Brush cut sides with oil or spread with mayo/butter
- Place oiled-side down on hot grill
- Grill 2-3 minutes until lightly charred
- Flip and grill another 1-2 minutes
- Remove from grill when exterior is crispy but interior is still soft
What are the steps for assembling Bánh mì nướng tôm?
- Spread spicy mayo sauce on bottom half of grilled baguette
- Layer lettuce and fresh herb leaves
- Top with grilled shrimp
- Add cucumber slices, carrot strips, optional pickled veggies
- Drizzle with extra sauce if desired
- Top with other baguette half
- Halve sandwich if serving as a snack or appetizer
- Slice all the way through for easier eating
Tips and Variations for making Bánh mì nướng tôm
This versatile shrimp baguette sandwich lends itself to all sorts of customizations. Here are some tips and tweaks for putting your own spin on this Vietnamese street food classic.
What are some tips for making a crispy baguette?
- Use day-old bread – staleness = crispness
- Toast in oven before grilling
- Grill over very high direct heat
- Brush with egg wash before grilling
- Skewer compressed to add pressure
- After grilling, wrap in foil + towel to steam
What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
- Use dried herbs, just reduce amount
- Substitute spinach or lettuce leaves
- Mix powdered spice blend into mayo
- Swap salsa or chimichurri sauce for herbs
How can I add more spice to Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
- Use extra Sriracha in mayo sauce
- Add pickled jalapeños for heat and crunch
- Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne powder
- Swap sriracha for chili-garlic sauce
- Add spicy Korean gochujang sauce
Other vegetables that I can grill for Bánh mì nướng tôm
- Sliced bell peppers
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Wedges of zucchini or eggplant
- Slices of avocado or mango
- Grilled corn kernels cut from cob
- Grilled pineapple slices
Some vegetarian or vegan variations for Grilled Shrimp Baguette
- Grilled tofu or tempeh
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
- Grilled eggplant and zucchini
- Grilled halloumi cheese
- Veggie skewers with onions, peppers, mushrooms
- Veg sausage or chicken-less strips
Other dipping sauces can use with Bánh mì nướng tôm
- Sweet chili sauce
- Peanut sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Nuoc cham dipping sauce
- Ponzu sauce
- Tzatziki sauce
The best way to serve the Bánh mì nướng tôm
- As a complete meal – serve with fresh fruit or veggie side
- For lunch on the go – wrap in parchment paper for easy portability
- At picnics or potlucks – slice into sharable pieces
- As passed appetizers – cut into bite-sized snack portions
- With chilled beers – the perfect afternoon refreshment
However you choose to enjoy it, bánh mì nướng tôm makes for fabulous eating any time of day!
FAQs: Grilled Shrimp Baguette
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about making and enjoying this iconic Vietnamese street food sandwich.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Grilled Shrimp Baguette?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Pat dry well as extra moisture can prevent browning.
What is aioli and how do I make it?
Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise sauce. To make it:
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
Whisk all ingredients until well blended. Let sit 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
What are some other popular Vietnamese street food dishes?
Some other beloved Vietnamese street foods are:
- Phở – beef & rice noodle soup
- Bánh xèo – savory crepe
- Bò bía – rice paper spring rolls
- Cơm tấm – broken rice plates
- Bánh cuốn – steamed rice rolls
How does Grilled Shrimp Baguette compare to other baguette sandwiches?
| Sandwich | Key Flavors | Texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Shrimp Baguette | savory, sweet, spicy | crispy, tender | iconic Vietnamese street food |
| French Baguette with Brie and Ham | creamy, salty, delicate | soft, airy | classic French cafe fare |
| Italian Submarine Sandwich | zesty, herby, tangy | chewy, hearty | piled with meats and veggies |
| Cuban Sandwich | tangy, savory, spicy | crunchy, melty | pressed panini-style |
Conclusion: Bánh mì nướng tôm
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, bánh mì nướng tôm captures the essence of Vietnamese culinary culture in one handheld sandwich. The sweet shrimp, savory baguette, crunchy vegetables, and spicy mayo meld together in perfect harmony. This street food favorite satisfies cravings thanks to its versatile adaptability and customizable nature. A few simple tweaks make it your own signature creation. Grilled to smoky, charred perfection and stuffed with fresh fillings, bánh mì nướng tôm is the ultimate on-the-go meal that will leave you wanting just one more bite.
Easy Bánh mì nướng tôm recipe
Notes
-
· For a more flavorful shrimp mixture, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before assembling the bánh mì nướng tôm.
· If you don't have a grill, you can cook the bánh mì nướng tôm in a skillet over medium heat.
· Bánh mì nướng tôm can also be made with other types of seafood, such as crab or scallops.
Ingredients
- - Shrimp:
- • 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- • 1/2 teaspoon salt
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - Shrimp Mixture:
- • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- • 1/2 teaspoon salt
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - Additional Ingredients:
- • 1 baguette, sliced
- • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the shrimp mixture: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, scallions, cilantro, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the bánh mì nướng tôm: Spread a generous amount of shrimp mixture on each baguette slice. Top with shrimp and sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.
- Cook the bánh mì nướng tôm: Preheat a grill or oven to medium heat. Grill or bake the bánh mì nướng tôm for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the bánh mì nướng tôm hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Bánh mì nướng tôm recipe
Serves:
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 10-15g | 15.4% | |
| Saturated Fat 4-6g | 20% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 150mg | 50% | |
| Sodium 350-450mg | 14.6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 20-25g | 6.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1-2g | 4% | |
| Sugars 2-3g | ||
| Protein 15-20g | ||
| Vitamin A Low | Vitamin C Moderate | |
| Calcium Moderate | Iron Moderate | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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