Canned Sardine Banh Mi Recipe

By Marvin Gapultos
Updated June 18, 2019

Of all the flavor-packed proteins that can stretch the middle of a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, my favorite probably isn't among the most popular of fillings. Barbecued pork, lemongrass chicken, spicy meatballs, and even tofu can all make for a deliciously filling banh mi. But for me, I usually opt for the sardine banh mi when I happen across a banh mi shop.

Sardine banh mis are usually made with canned sardines packed in a spicy tomato sauce. The rich, meaty flavor of sardines along with the spice and tang from the tomato sauce can lift a baguette in ways that other fillings can't. And since canned sardines are used, this particular type of Vietnamese sandwich is a cinch to make at home. No grilling or roasting of meats is necessary—just open the can of sardines and mash the fish into the sandwich, bones and all (they're edible, you know).

And when combined with the usual banh mi accoutrements of mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, jalapenos, and a drizzle of Maggi seasoning, a simple tin of sardines transforms into a savory and satisfying sandwich.

Note: You can find canned sardines in tomato sauce at Asian markets. Ligo brand is a good choice and comes in spicy and mild versions.

Baguettes made in Vietnamese bakeries are made with rice flour and are crispier than regular french baguettes. If you don't have a Vietnamese bakery nearby, a regular French baguette roll can be used.

Recipe Details

Canned Sardine Banh Mi Recipe

Active 10 mins
Total 10 mins
Serves 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 medium carrot, cut into fine matchsticks

  • 1 small daikon radish, cut into fine matchsticks

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 cup vinegar

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 baguette roll, preferably Vietnamese, about 12-inches long, cut in half cross-wise (see note)

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • Maggi seasoning, for drizzling

  • 1 (5.5-ounce) can of sardines in tomato sauce

  • Fresh cilantro

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. To Make the Pickled Carrots and Daikon: combine carrots, daikon, salt, and sugar in a small bowl and toss to coat. Allow to rest 10 minutes until liquid has been drawn out of vegetables and salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Add vinegar and water and transfer to small, sealable container. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, or for best results, allow pickled to rest for at least 3 days in the refrigerator.

  2. Lightly toast baguettes if desired, then split each baguette half lengthwise, then evenly distribute the mayonnaise among the baguettes. Add a few dashes of Maggi seasoning to the inside of the baguettes. Divide the sardines among the sandwiches—there should be about 2 whole sardines per sandwich. Using a fork, mash the sardines into the sandwiches. If desired, spoon more of the tomato sauce from the can over the mashed sardines.

  3. Top the sardines with the pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and jalapeno slices. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
445 Calories
22g Fat
36g Carbs
25g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 445
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 116mg 39%
Sodium 1278mg 56%
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 25g
Vitamin C 23mg 116%
Calcium 380mg 29%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 819mg 17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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