Sweet and savoury tofu, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, and spicy vegan mayo — all tucked into a warm, toasted bun.

Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a rich, savoury filling. It’s one of my all-time favourite sandwiches — the combination of textures and flavours in every bite is just unbeatable.

This Tofu Bánh Mì is a fully plant-based version, with sweet and savoury tofu taking centre stage.

The recipe comes together with a few simple components: sweet and savoury tofu, simple pickled carrot and daikon, fresh cucumber, spicy vegan mayo, and a toasted bun. While it may seem like a lot of prep at first, each component is fairly simple on its own — and worth every step.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Tofu: Adds plant-based protein and is the heart of this sandwich. See the full recipe for the Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites.

Spicy Mayo: Adds creaminess and balances the flavours of the sandwich. This recipe includes a vegan version made with vegan mayonnaise, garlic chilli sauce, hot sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

Pickled Carrot & Daikon: Quickly pickled vegetables in apple cider vinegar add tang, crunch, and a source of fibre and antioxidants.

Cucumber: Balances the richness of the sandwich components, adding a cool and fresh element.

Buns: A slightly crusty baguette-style bun holds up best to the fillings. Toast lightly for the best texture.

Cilantro: Adds brightness as a finishing touch.

Kitchenware

You’ll also need:

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Medium bowl or jar
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Toaster or oven (for the buns)

Steps

1. Start preparing the tofu: Prepare the Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites according to the full recipe here. Continue with the remaining steps while the tofu is in the air fryer.
2. Prepare the quick pickled vegetables: Combine the carrots, daikon, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and toss to coat. Set aside for at least 15–20 minutes, tossing occasionally.
3. Make the spicy mayo: Add all the mayo ingredients to a small bowl and mix until smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust as needed — more hot sauce for heat, more lime for brightness, more mayo for a milder flavour. Set aside.
4. Finish preparing the tofu: Finish preparing the Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites according to the full recipe here.
5. Toast the buns: Warm the buns in a toaster or oven until lightly toasted and slightly crisp on the outside.
6. Assemble: Spread about 1-1 1/2 tbsp of spicy mayo on both sides of each bun. Layer with tofu, pickled carrot and daikon, sliced cucumber, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Tips & Notes

• The pickled vegetables can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in a jar in the fridge.
• The spicy mayo is intentionally mild and fresh-tasting. Add more sriracha or chilli sauce if you prefer a stronger kick.
• A baguette-style roll gives the sandwich a classic texture. A soft sandwich roll also works if that’s what you have on hand.

Recipe

Tofu Bánh Mì

• Servings: 3 sandwiches
• Time: 60 mins
• Print

Sweet and savoury tofu, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, and spicy vegan mayo — all tucked into a warm, toasted bun.

Ingredients

• Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 3 buns
• 1/4 cup cilantro
Spicy Mayo
• 3 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tsp garlic chilli sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper
Quick-Pickled Carrot & Daikon
• 3/4 cup carrot, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup daikon radish, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Prepare the Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites according to the full recipe. Continue with the remaining steps while the tofu is in the air fryer.
2. Combine the carrots, daikon, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and toss to coat. Set aside for at least 15–20 minutes, tossing occasionally.
3. Add all the mayo ingredients to a small bowl and mix until smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust as needed — more hot sauce for heat, more lime for brightness, more mayo for a milder flavour. Set aside.
4. Finish preparing the Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites according to the full recipe.
5. Warm the buns in a toaster or oven until lightly toasted and slightly crisp on the outside.
6. Spread about 1-1 1/2 tbsp of spicy mayo on both sides of each bun. Layer with tofu, pickled carrot and daikon, sliced cucumber, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Per Serving: Energy/Calories: 500 kcal | Carbohydrates: 43 g | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 26 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 780 mg | Fibre: 4 g | Total Sugars: 7 g

Please note: the nutrition information provided above is an estimation based on a reference serving size. It is subject to error/variation and is for information purposes only. The website owner is not liable for this information. While this information may be helpful for you, please remember that food is more than just numbers.

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Disclaimer: All recipes on this site are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and individual experience. Please use your best judgment and consider any allergies, dietary needs, or health conditions. The website owner is not responsible for any outcomes related to the preparation, cooking, or consumption of these recipes. Use this content at your own discretion and risk.