** A very big thank you for sharing the happiness and relief of Dozersongoing recovery post surgery.
Im so touched by all the support.
Now I can get back to my day job GREAT FOOD!
One of the many banh mi shops I visited in Vietnam. I even made a Vietnam food guide –here!
Out ofall the types of banh miI make, this is my favourite!
The standout was the pork itself which was ridiculously juicy with superior crispy crackling!
Does that surprise you?
), heres my copycat recipe.
I hope you become as obsessed with this as I have!
Authenticity background it is!
In case you are curious, crispy pork belly banh mi does exist in Vietnam.
Anatomy of a Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi
Heres what makes up a pork belly banh mi.
Theres some gathering involved (oh yes, and a simple crispy crackling pork belly to make ).
But once gathered (and crackled), assembly is a breeze!
Excellent food for gatherings, particularly in summer.
Crispy pork belly (dont worry, I have a tried-and-proven easy crispy crackling trick!)
DO NOT SCORE THE SKIN.A) you dont need to score for crispy crackling.
B) Its risky.
No we do not!
One of the many banh mi shops I visited in Vietnam. I even made a Vietnam food guide –here!
Fridge dry Dry the skin overnight in the fridge, uncovered.
Even a few hours in the fridge is effective.
This is an insurance policy step that is recommended.
This will ensure even distribution of heat across your pork belly skin for superior crackling.
If you dont do this step, youll find that the lower points dont crackle well if at all.
Then just follow the simple recipe steps!
Chinese five spice powder isnt traditional but I like to add it for a touch of extra flavour.
So consider it optional theres so many other things going on in banh mi, you wont miss it.
This shape will crackle better and the flesh will cook through more evenly.
Not scored As noted in the above section, check that the skin is not scored.
Check carefully if you buy a vac packed one because sometimes its hard to tell.
Oil Just any neutral flavoured oil: canola, vegetable or peanut oil.
Salt Essential for crackling.
Pepper I actually like to use black pepper for pork belly, but white pepper is fine too.
Chinese five spice As noted above, optional extra flavour!
Fridge dryovernight or for a few hours, to really dry out the skin.
If you dont have time, just pat the skin dry really well with paper towels.
This holds all the pork fat in as it melts which keeps the fleshsuperjuicy and moist.
Its essentially almost confit-ing in its own fat!
Salt the skin Rub a bit of oil on the skin then sprinkle the salt evenly across the surface.
Slow roastfor 2 hours at a low 140C/275F (all oven types).
Astute cooks may also note the time is slightly shorter than theCrispy Pork Bellyrecipe.
Here is what it looks like before and after levelling.
But the other elements are important too!
Heres what you need.
For one, a watery sauce doesnt cling to pork belly hunks.
And for another, watery sauces softens crispy crackling faster.
Heres whats in it!
Using carrots and daikon is an easy way to ensure you get great crunch in the pickles!
Find the recipe for these pickleshere.
SPREADS
As for the spreads, Im sticking with tradition here: pate and mayonnaise.
If you skip the pate, it aint a banh mi!
Nobody wants a stingy banh mi!!
Pate first spread on the base of the roll.
Mayo next then spread the mayonnaise on top of the pate.
Pork Then pile the pork in!
Be as generous as you want I use about 1 tablespoon.
Garnish And finally, garnish!
As much fresh chilli as you dare and a shower of crispy shallots (if using).
The meat is not that juicy, the crackling not always crispy.
They are also typically extremely good value, with an enormous amount of pork for the price you pay.
I understand why they are popular!
Prevent screen from sleeping
But, this homemade version?
It is better than any Ive had in Sydney.
You just cant beat the experience of fresh homemade pork belly.
I really hope you try this one day.
It is truly an exceptional eating experience!
Proof:
Life of Dozer
So great to continue to see progress with Dozers recovery post op!
Here he is at his first outing to the park since his surgery.
This surgery really took it out of him.
He sleeps through the night peacefully and quietly and is restful during the day.
And Ive got my shoot-studio companion back.
He hasnt figured out yet that he can no longer taste test (seethis postfor why).
He also doesnt realise Im shootingpickled vegetableshere.
