If you’re craving a fabulous fusion dish that packs a punch of flavor and freshness, the Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the vibrant flavors of a classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich cleverly reimagined on tender, warm tortillas, creating an irresistible handheld delight. This recipe brings together savory smashed pork, tangy pickled veggies, and creamy spicy mayo in a way that’s quick, fresh, and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding friends or just treating yourself, these tacos are bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a huge role in building layers of texture, tang, and savory goodness. From aromatic ground pork to crisp pickled vegetables and bright herbs, every component is essential to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and colors.
- Ground pork (1 lb): The hearty base providing juicy, flavorful protein that absorbs all the seasonings beautifully.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a lovely aromatic depth that elevates the pork’s richness.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Infuses umami and saltiness that anchor the filling.
- Fish sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle but essential savory tang characteristic of traditional Vietnamese flavors.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tbsp): Offers a sweet and slightly smoky dimension balancing savory notes.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Adds a nutty aroma that rounds out the pork mixture perfectly.
- Sugar (1 tsp + 1/4 cup for pickling): Sweetens the glaze on pork and brightens the pickled veggies.
- Salt and pepper (pinches): Essential seasonings to taste amid the other complex flavors.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Gives crunch and a touch of sweetness as part of the refreshing pickle.
- Thinly sliced daikon radish (1 cup): Offers crisp texture and mild peppery bite in the pickles.
- Rice vinegar (1/2 cup): The acidic backbone of the quick pickle that keeps the vegetables bright and zesty.
- Water (1 cup): Balances the pickling liquid perfectly.
- Small corn or flour tortillas (8): Serve as the soft, warm vessel to hold all the layers of flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds fresh herbal brightness and vibrant color.
- Fresh chilies (1-2, sliced, optional): A kick of heat that livens up the tacos beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides creaminess to mellow the spicy and tangy components.
- Sriracha sauce (1 tbsp): Adds an irresistible spicy zing to the mayo, making every bite pop.
- Lime wedges: For an optional bright squeeze that ties all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Vegetables
Start by making the quick pickled carrots and daikon radish, which are key to giving your Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe their signature crisp, tangy contrast. Combine the rice vinegar, water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Add the shredded carrots and sliced daikon, then cover and let them pickle while you cook the pork. This little patience upfront makes a big flavor difference.
Step 2: Cook and Smash the Pork Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, add a small splash of oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground pork, breaking it into chunks, and cook until it’s no longer pink. Season the pork with soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Press down (smash) on the pork to create a slightly crispy, textured crust while cooking, which adds incredible depth to the filling. Stir occasionally until browned and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
Mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl to taste. This spicy mayo will bring creamy heat that balances the savory pork and the tart veggies. Adjust the sriracha amount if you want it more or less spicy.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas gently in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable, making them perfect vehicles for all the toppings and fillings.
Step 5: Assemble Your Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe
Start with a generous spoonful of the smashed pork on each tortilla. Top with pickled carrots and daikon, a drizzle of the spicy mayo, fresh cilantro, and optional sliced chilies. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of brightness.
How to Serve Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe is half the fun. Fresh cilantro adds an herbal lift, while a few thin slices of fresh chili bring a bold spice element if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t forget the lime wedge—squeezing fresh lime juice over your taco just before eating cuts through richness and brightens the entire flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with crisp cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw for even more refreshing crunch. Steamed jasmine rice or simple steamed greens also complement the bold flavors without overpowering the meal. Of course, a cold beer or iced tea on the side can make the experience feel like a festive gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pork filling in miniature lettuce cups alongside traditional corn tortillas to create a DIY taco bar. Or layer extra pickles and cilantro for a colorful taco platter perfect for parties. Using a mortar and pestle to slightly crush fresh herbs sprinkled on top can elevate your presentation and aroma tremendously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover smashed pork or pickled vegetables, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pork stays delicious for up to three days, while the pickles maintain their brightness for about a week. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or an airtight bag to preserve softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork filling in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the pickled veggies or tortillas, as it can affect their texture negatively.
Reheating
Reheat the pork gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its texture and crunch. Warm the tortillas separately to keep them soft and flexible. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to keep everything vibrant and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork?
Absolutely! While ground pork gives that authentic rich flavor, ground chicken or beef works well too. Just adjust cooking times slightly and season to taste.
How spicy is the Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe?
The spice level is completely up to you. The sriracha mayo and fresh chilies add heat, but you can reduce or omit the chilies if you prefer milder tacos.
Do I have to use fish sauce?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient for authentic Vietnamese flavor, but if you’re vegetarian or allergic, try substituting with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami punch.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Small corn tortillas are traditional and add a lovely texture, but soft flour tortillas can be just as delicious and easier to find in many stores.
How long do the pickled veggies take to prepare?
The quick pickle only needs about 15-20 minutes to develop a good tang and crunch, making it perfect for prepping while you cook the pork filling.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, fresh flavors and crave something a little different yet familiar, the Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe is a must-try. It’s an easy, playful way to bring the essence of Vietnamese cuisine into your home with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So grab those ingredients, call some friends over, and savor every bite of this vibrant, irresistible dish!
Print
Smash Banh Mi Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Smash Banh Mi Tacos are a flavorful fusion dish combining the savory, sweet, and tangy elements of traditional Vietnamese banh mi with the casual, handheld appeal of tacos. Ground pork is seasoned and cooked to perfection, paired with quick-pickled carrots and daikon radish for crunch and acidity. Finished with fresh cilantro, optional fresh chilies, and a spicy sriracha mayonnaise, these tacos offer a delicious and vibrant meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Pork Filling
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Pinches of salt and pepper
For the Pickled Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced daikon radish
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
For Assembly
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1–2 fresh chilies, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Pickled Vegetables: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and pour over the shredded carrots and sliced daikon radish in a heatproof bowl. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate to pickle while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the Pork Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground pork and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and fragrant.
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until smooth. Adjust the sriracha amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of the spicy mayo on each tortilla. Add a generous amount of the cooked pork mixture, followed by a helping of the pickled carrots and daikon radish. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced fresh chilies if using. Garnish with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos just before eating.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure tortillas are corn-based and gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the pickling liquid to suit your desired level of sweetness and acidity.
- The pickled vegetables can be made a day ahead to develop more flavor.
- Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for pork if preferred.
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the finished tacos.
