Go Back
–+ servings
The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Vegan Banh Mi – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Vegan Banh Mi

This Vegan Banh Mi is a flavor-packed powerhouse inspired by the classic Vietnamese sandwich. We're marinating and baking extra-firm tofu until it's savory and golden, then stuffing it into a crusty roll with a vibrant, crunchy red cabbage slaw. The magic happens overnight in the
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1 Sandwiche
Calories: 358

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 tbsp (22.5 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp (22.5 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Thai sweet red chile sauce
  • 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp (2.5 g / 0.09 oz) brown sugar
  • 7 oz (198 g) extra-firm tofu, cut into 6 slices and patted dry
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp (30 g / 1.06 oz) coarsely chopped roasted, unsalted peanuts
  • 1 tbsp (15 g / 0.53 oz) grated fresh ginger
  • 1.5 cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) finely shredded red cabbage
  • 2 4-inch / 10 cm ciabatta rolls, halved lengthwise
  • For a firmer, chewier texture that absorbs more marinade, press your tofu for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Wrap the block in paper towels and place something heavy on top.
  • Boost the veggies by adding classic Banh Mi fillings like thinly sliced cucumber, pickled carrots, and fresh cilantro sprigs for extra crunch and freshness.
  • If you can find them, use traditional light and airy Vietnamese-style baguettes instead of ciabatta for the most authentic experience.

Method
 

  1. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C. Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking. 2.
  2. Mix the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, sweet chile sauce, olive oil, and brown sugar. Gently place the tofu slices in the marinade, turning to coat.
  3. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes, turning a couple of times to soak up all the flavor. 3.
  4. Bake the tofu: Arrange the marinated tofu slices in your prepared baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle them evenly with the sliced green onions, chopped peanuts, and grated ginger. Important: Reserve 1. 5 tablespoons (75 ml / 2.5 fl oz) of the marinade for the slaw, then pour the rest over the tofu.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and caramelized.
  7. Let it cool completely. 4. Make the slaw: While the tofu cools, place the shredded red cabbage in a bowl.
  8. Drizzle with the reserved 1. 5 tablespoons (75 ml / 2.5 fl oz) of marinade and toss well to combine. 5. Assemble and wrap: To prevent a soggy sandwich, hollow out some of the soft bread from the center of your ciabatta rolls.
  9. Layer 3 slices of the cooled baked tofu on the bottom half of each roll, then pile the crunchy cabbage slaw on top. Close the sandwiches, slice them in half for easy handling, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
  10. Refrigerate overnight for a perfect grab-and-go meal.
  11. Add a layer of creaminess and spice by spreading a thin layer of vegan sriracha mayo on the rolls before assembling the sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 14g

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!