10 Best Sauces For Banh Mi

Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has become popular around the world.

It’s made with a variety of ingredients, including pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and protein such as pork or tofu.

But what really sets banh mi apart from other sandwiches is its delicious sauces.

From spicy sriracha to sweet hoisin sauce, each one adds an extra layer of flavor to this already delectable dish.

If you’re looking for some new and creative ways to dress up your banh mi, here are ten of the best sauces that will take it to the next level!

10 Best Sauces For Banh Mi

Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that can be made with either pork, beef, or chicken.

To make the perfect Banh Mi sandwich, it’s important to find the right sauce to bring out all its flavors.

Here are ten sauces that will perfectly complement your Banh Mi:

1. Hoisin sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and salty Chinese condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies and various spices.

It has a dark reddish-brown color and a slightly pungent flavor.

The sauce is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as well as Vietnamese dishes such as banh mi sandwiches.

Common Uses

Hoisin sauce is often used to marinate meats before grilling or roasting, or it can be added to stir-fries for extra flavor.

It’s also popularly used in dipping sauces for dumplings and spring rolls.

In Vietnam, hoisin sauce is an essential ingredient in the traditional banh mi sandwich; it adds sweetness and depth of flavor that really sets the sandwich apart from other types of sandwiches.

2. Sweet chili sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a condiment made from chilies, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.

It has a sweet-and-spicy flavor that can be used to add heat and sweetness to dishes.

The sauce is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine and is often served as an accompaniment to fried foods such as spring rolls or chicken wings.

Common Uses

Sweet chili sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls or dumplings.

It can also be used as a marinade for meats like pork or chicken before grilling or roasting.

In addition, it makes an excellent topping for sandwiches like banh mi, adding both sweetness and spice to the dish.

Finally, it can be added to stir-fries at the end of cooking for extra flavor and heat.

3. Oyster sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown condiment made from oyster extracts.

It is commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine as a flavoring agent for dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, and rice.

The sauce has a salty flavor with hints of sweetness and umami.

Common Uses

Oyster sauce can be used to add depth of flavor to many dishes.

It is often used as an ingredient in marinades or sauces for meats such as beef or pork, and it can also be added to vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor.

It can also be used to season soups, stews, and noodle dishes.

4. Soy sauce

Soy sauce is a dark, salty liquid made from fermented soybeans.

It is an essential condiment in many Asian cuisines and has become popular around the world.

The flavor of soy sauce can range from sweet to salty, depending on the brand and type used.

Common Uses

Soy sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for sushi or other Japanese dishes, but it can also be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables, added to soups and stews, or even drizzled over noodles.

In Vietnamese cuisine, it is often used in banh mi sandwiches to add depth of flavor and balance out the sweetness of the pickled vegetables.

5. Peanut sauce

Peanut sauce is a condiment made from ground peanuts, garlic, and other ingredients such as soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.

It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine to add flavor to dishes such as noodles and salads.

Common Uses

Peanut sauce can be used as a dip for vegetables or spring rolls.

It can also be added to stir-fries or noodle dishes for extra flavor.

Additionally, it makes an excellent sandwich spread when combined with mayonnaise or cream cheese.

Finally, it can be drizzled over grilled meats or seafood for a delicious finishing touch.

6. Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce is a type of hot chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt.

It is named after the coastal city of Si Racha in Thailand where it originated.

The sauce has become popular worldwide due to its unique flavor and versatility.

Common Uses

Sriracha sauce can be used as a condiment for many dishes such as noodles, rice dishes, soups and salads.

It can also be used as an ingredient in marinades or sauces for meats or vegetables.

Additionally, it can be added to sandwiches such as banh mi to give them an extra kick of heat and flavor.

7. Lime juice

Lime juice is a tart, acidic liquid made from the juice of limes.

It is used in many dishes and drinks to add flavor and acidity.

Common Uses

Lime juice is commonly used in marinades for fish, poultry, and meat dishes.

It can also be added to salads or dressings for an extra zing of flavor.

In addition, lime juice is often used as a garnish on cocktails such as margaritas or mojitos.

It can also be added to desserts like key lime pie or tarts for a bright citrusy flavor.

8. Fish sauce

Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish and salt.

It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Thai and Vietnamese dishes.

The flavor of fish sauce is salty, pungent, and slightly sweet.

Common Uses

Fish sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for seafood or vegetables, added to soups or curries for extra flavor, or mixed with lime juice and sugar to make a popular salad dressing.

In Vietnam, it’s often used as an ingredient in banh mi sandwiches along with pickled carrots and daikon radish.

It can also be used to marinate meats before grilling or stir-frying them.

9. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy condiment made from egg yolks, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings.

It is most commonly used as a spread on sandwiches and in salads but can also be used to make sauces for fish dishes and other savory recipes.

Common Uses

Mayonnaise is often used as a base for many sauces such as tartar sauce and remoulade.

It can also be mixed with herbs and spices to create flavorful dips for vegetables or chips.

In addition to being used as a sandwich spread, mayonnaise can be added to potato salad or coleslaw for extra creaminess.

Finally, it can be used in baking recipes such as cakes or muffins to add moisture and flavor.

10. Gochujang sauce

Gochujang sauce is a Korean condiment made from red chili peppers, fermented soybeans, and salt.

It has a spicy-sweet flavor with hints of garlic and umami.

The sauce is often used as a marinade for meats or vegetables, as well as an ingredient in soups and stews.

Common Uses

Gochujang sauce is most commonly used to make banh mi sandwiches.

It adds a unique depth of flavor to the sandwich that sets it apart from other types of sandwiches.

The sauce can also be used to add heat and complexity to stir-fries, noodle dishes, and even pizza toppings.

Additionally, gochujang can be mixed with mayonnaise or cream cheese for an easy dip or spread for crackers or chips.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious sauces that can be used to enhance the flavor of banh mi.

The best sauces for banh mi are hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, peanut sauce, sriracha, lime juice, fish sauce, mayonnaise, and gochujang sauce.

Each of these sauces adds a unique flavor and texture to the banh mi, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Experimenting with different combinations of sauces can help you find the perfect flavor combination for your banh mi.

With the right combination of sauces, you can create a delicious and flavorful banh mi that is sure to please.