Vietnamese sandwich with grilled beef lemongrass (Bánh mì bò nướng sả)

Bánh mì, which is the Vietnamese word for “bread,” is actually the baguette, which was introduced to Vietnam during the French occupation of Indochina. Today, however, 'banh mi" refers to the type of meat-filled sandwich and there are vareity of meat choices. The classic version "banh mi thit nguoi" refers to the special at Vietnamese banh mi deli, includes of homemade liver pork/chicken pate^, butter, and Vietnamese ham (Cha lua), cucumber, cilantro, daikon and carrot pickles (do chua), slices red hot pepper and a drizzle of soysauce. Other filling options are BBQ pork, shredded chicken, grilled pork, meatballs.... but one of my favorite banh mi is the grilled beef lemongrass. It reminds me of my childhood in old Saigon with delicious street foods and no pollution. I also miss my "banh mi" breakfast in Vietnam. Here in NYC, whenever i need banh mi, it's a 15 mins train to China town, but sometimes i'm too lazy to travel just for one banh mi, so make it myself.

Here is the recipe for you to try
Serving: 4 people

Ingredients:

1,5 lbs ground beef 90/10
4 baguette rolls, sliced lengthwise in the center
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves
4 Jalapeno chilies, deseeded and thinly sliced
Pickled carrots and daikon (store-bought or homemade)

Lemongrass Beef Marinade:

1/2 cup minced lemongrass
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce (Lee Kum Kee)
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 medium Onion, peeled and minced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3 tablespoons Olive oil
1 teaspoon chicken powder
A pinch of salt

Sauce " The Tuong" 

5 tbsp Hoisin sauce

3 tbsp chunky peanut butter (don't use creammy)

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp chicken powder

1/2 - 1/3 cup water 

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, and all above ingredients. Mix well and form into 14 balls. Store, covered, in refrigerator until needed.

2. Preheat grill until ready to use. Gently arrange marinated beef onto the grill. Grill until the beef is nicely charred on both sides and meat is thoroughly cooked. If use indoor broiler oven, broil for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the meat is completely cooked and nicely charred.

Make the Tuong.

Combine all ingredients, stir thoroughly and boil it over medium high heat. 

                                                   Good luck and enjoy!