Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe

There is something so satisfying about the vibrant layers of flavors and textures packed into the Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe, a delightful take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich reimagined in a bowl. This dish harmonizes fragrant jasmine rice, savory ground pork infused with bold sauces, and crisp, tangy pickled vegetables that add brightness to every bite. Topped with a creamy, spicy drizzle and fresh herbs, this Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that feels both comforting and exciting simultaneously. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite easy-to-prepare dishes with a big flavor impact.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together a great Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe is all about choosing simple, fresh ingredients that each bring an essential note to the dish’s symphony of flavors. From the fluffy jasmine rice to the zesty pickled veggies, every component plays a vital role in creating that authentic taste and appealing texture.

• 1 cup jasmine rice: Aromatic and slightly sticky, perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• 2 cups water: For perfectly cooking the rice until tender and fluffy.
• 1/2 pound ground pork: The savory protein base that carries the rich marinade beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the pork.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the meat.
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce: Classic Vietnamese seasoning that enhances savory flavors.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For sautéing garlic and infusing a nutty aroma into the pork.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, sharp kick that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 carrot, julienned: Crunchy and colorful, perfect for pickling.
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds cooling freshness to balance the rich pork.
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced: Peppery and crisp, great for bright tangy notes.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: The acidity that creates the quick pickle for veggies.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the vinegar’s tartness in the pickling liquid.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and helps soften the pickled vegetables.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the spicy mayo drizzle.
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha: Adds a smoky, spicy punch to the sauce.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Bright herbal fragrance that finishes the bowl perfectly.
• Sliced jalapeños, for garnish: Optional, for some added heat and crunch.
• Lime wedges, for serving: A squeeze of fresh citrus always lifts the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice

Begin by bringing the jasmine rice and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. This step is essential because the rice forms the comforting base of your Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe and should be perfectly cooked to soak up the sauces and toppings.

Step 2: Pickle the Vegetables

While the rice cooks, prepare the pickled vegetables to add a refreshing tang to the dish. In a small bowl, stir together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the julienned carrot, thinly sliced cucumber, and radishes to the mixture and allow them to sit for at least 15 minutes. These quick pickles will bring bright color, crisp texture, and a delightful zing to your rice bowl.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Pork

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground pork and cook it until browned and crumbled, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This creates the savory heart of the Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe.

Step 4: Flavor the Pork

To the cooked pork, add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, letting these bold flavors meld perfectly into the meat. This step builds the signature depth and richness that makes the bowl so irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Sriracha until nice and smooth. This spicy mayo will be drizzled over the finished bowl, adding a luscious creaminess and that addictive little kick that elevates the entire dish.

Step 6: Assemble the Banh Mi Rice Bowls

Now for the fun part — to assemble! Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with the savory pork mixture, a generous helping of your tangy pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices if you like a bit of heat. Finally, drizzle the spicy mayo over the top and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing just before eating.

How to Serve Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes are what really bring your Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe to life. Fresh cilantro adds that unmistakably bright herbal note that complements every other ingredient. Sliced jalapeños offer heat and crunch, while lime wedges provide a citrus burst to cut through the richness. Don’t skip these—they transform the dish from good to memorable.

Side Dishes

This rice bowl is so full of flavor and texture that it often serves well as a meal on its own. If you want sides, consider light and fresh options like a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame. A refreshing iced jasmine tea also pairs beautifully, balancing the savoriness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Try serving the Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe in colorful bowls for a cheerful vibe. For a party twist, offer mini serving bowls as part of a build-your-own bar where guests can add their preferred garnishes and extra sauces. Layering the rice and toppings in clear jars also makes for a visually stunning picnic or lunchbox option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover components of your Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the rice retains its texture, and the pickled vegetables stay crisp, ensuring your leftovers remain tasty and fresh.

Freezing

While the cooked pork mixture freezes well and can be stored for up to two months, it’s best to avoid freezing the rice and pickled vegetables, as their textures can change. Freeze the pork in portioned freezer bags for an easy future meal base.

Reheating

Reheat the pork gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to keep it juicy and flavorful. Reheat the rice by sprinkling a little water over it and microwaving covered. Always add fresh garnishes and pickled vegetables after reheating to maintain their crispness and brightness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground pork with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu can be great alternatives to ground pork if you prefer a different protein or want a lighter option. Adjust the cooking times slightly if needed to ensure proper browning and flavor absorption.

How long do the pickled vegetables last?

Your pickled carrot, cucumber, and radishes should stay fresh and tangy in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors will continue to develop, making them even tastier the next day.

Is this dish spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The spice level mainly comes from the Sriracha in the mayo and optional jalapeños. Feel free to reduce or omit these elements to suit your taste, or add more chili if you crave extra heat. It’s very flexible!

Can I make the Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe vegan?

Yes, you can! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or crumbled tofu for the pork, swap fish sauce for soy sauce or vegan umami seasoning, and replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo. The pickled veggies and rice remain the same and perfectly complement the vegan versions.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best results, reheat the pork mixture in a skillet over medium heat to keep it moist and flavorful. Warm the rice separately by sprinkling a bit of water and covering it loosely while microwaving. Add the pickled veggies and fresh garnishes at serving time for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of a classic Banh Mi with the comforting simplicity of a rice bowl, you absolutely must try this Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe. It’s a wonderful balance of savory, tangy, spicy, and fresh elements all in one bowl, easy enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to impress. I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household just like it did in mine!

Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Banh Mi Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dish featuring tender jasmine rice topped with savory ground pork, crunchy pickled vegetables, and a spicy mayo drizzle. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this bowl combines tangy, sweet, and umami flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

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Ingredients

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Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water

Pickled Vegetables

• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ground Pork Mixture

• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spicy Mayo

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sliced jalapeños, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice and water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered to steam.
2. Pickle the Vegetables: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, and radishes to the pickling liquid, stirring to coat evenly. Let the vegetables sit for at least 15 minutes to lightly pickle and develop flavor.
3. Sauté Garlic: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Cook Ground Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet with the garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the pork is browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Flavor the Pork: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce into the pork. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld together well.
6. Prepare Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Sriracha, mixing until smooth and well blended to create a creamy spicy sauce.
7. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the savory ground pork, a generous amount of the pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapeños. Drizzle each bowl with the spicy mayo and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Notes

• You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of jalapeños and Sriracha to taste.
• Allowing the vegetables to pickle longer will intensify their tangy flavor.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vietnamese