There’s nothing quite like the vibrant burst of flavors you experience with a Banh Mi Rice Bowl. Imagine digging into a hearty bowl filled with tender pork tenderloin, tangy pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy sriracha mayo—all over a fluffy bed of rice. This dish not only channels the beloved Vietnamese sandwich but elevates it into a nourishing meal that’s quick to prepare.
As the scent of garlic and marinated pork wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but feel a sense of comfort that comes from home-cooked food. Best of all, this recipe is highly customizable! Whether you’re craving a gluten-free twist with tamari or wanting to swap in your favorite protein, this bowl adapts effortlessly to suit your preferences.
Perfect for those busy weeknights or a delightful meal prep option, the Banh Mi Rice Bowl marries rich textures and bright tastes in a satisfying package. Your taste buds deserve this exciting escape from mundane meals—let’s dive in!
Why love this Banh Mi Rice Bowl?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines savory pork, crunchy pickled veggies, and creamy sriracha mayo, delivering an unforgettable taste experience.
Quick & Easy: With simple preparation steps and a friendly cooking time, you’ll have this delightful meal ready in no time.
Customizable: Adjust toppings and protein to fit your mood—choose tofu for a vegan option or keep it classic with pork.
Health-Conscious: Packed with nutrients and easily adaptable to gluten-free and low-carb diets, this bowl satisfies without compromising your wellness goals.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week, allowing for hassle-free, wholesome eating.
Banh Mi Rice Bowl Ingredients
For the Pork Marinade
- Pork Tenderloin – Your main protein source; for a lighter option, substitute with chicken or tofu.
- Soy Sauce – Adds rich umami flavor; replace with tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Fish Sauce – Enhances depth and saltiness; omit for a vegetarian version or add extra soy sauce instead.
- Brown Sugar – Balances salty notes; swap with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Lime Juice – Brings acidity and freshness; lemon juice works if lime isn’t on hand.
- Garlic – Amplifies flavor; freshly minced is best for optimal results.
- Ground Ginger – Infuses warm spice; fresh ginger can be used for a more vibrant kick.
- Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for searing the pork; avocado oil can be a good substitute.
For the Pickle Mixture
- Carrots & Radishes – Essential for pickling; feel free to use cucumbers or other veggies for variety.
- Hot Water, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt – Combine these to create the perfect pickling solution; ensure sugar dissolves fully for best flavor.
For the Sriracha Mayo
- Mayonnaise – Base for your sriracha mayo; use vegan mayo for a plant-based touch.
- Sriracha – Adds that delightful heat; adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
For the Rice Bowl
- Cooked Rice – The comforting base of your bowl; options include white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
- Cucumber, Shallots/Green Onions, Shredded Cabbage, Jalapeño, Cilantro – Fresh garnishes that add taste and visual appeal to your Banh Mi Rice Bowl.
Indulging in this Banh Mi Rice Bowl allows you to experience rich flavors quickly and healthily—let’s get cooking!
How to Make Banh Mi Rice Bowl
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Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will enhance the pork. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
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Cook the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the marinated pork slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. The sizzling sound will tell you it’s time to flip!
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Make Pickled Veggies: In a large jar, combine hot water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add the shredded carrots and radishes. Secure the jar and let it marinate for 1 hour or overnight to achieve that crunchy, tangy goodness.
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Prepare Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and a teaspoon of soy sauce. This creamy condiment will be the perfect topping for your rice bowl. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
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Assemble the Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the succulent pork, pickled veggies, and fresh cucumber slices. Get creative with optional garnishes like jalapeños, shredded cabbage, and cilantro for a beautiful finish. Drizzle generously with sriracha mayo before digging in!
Optional: Add fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil for an aromatic layer.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Banh Mi Rice Bowl?
Enhance your meal with delightful pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this nourishing bowl.
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Fresh Spring Rolls: These light and refreshing rolls filled with shrimp or veggies offer a perfect contrast to the hearty bowl.
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Crunchy Asian Slaw: A zesty coleslaw with sesame oil and lime adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the rich pork and creamy mayo.
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Garlic Fried Rice: Intensifying the meal’s comforting profile, this savory side is packed with aroma and flavor—plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice!
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Crispy Tofu Bites: For a decorative and crunchy companion, serve crispy tofu bites tossed in soy sauce for an extra layer of umami deliciousness.
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Pickled Vegetables: Further enhance the tangy element! Serve a side of assorted pickled veggies to create a vibrant table display that mirrors the main dish.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant side dish infused with zesty lime and cilantro elevates the meal flavor-wise, harmonizing beautifully with the Banh Mi Rice Bowl.
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Chilled Green Tea: A refreshing beverage option, green tea’s lightness perfectly balances the spicy richness of the bowl, cleansing your palate while dining.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet ending, this luscious dessert offers a mellow tropical experience after the bold flavors of your bowl.
How to Store and Freeze Banh Mi Rice Bowl
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; saves you from food waste while keeping your Banh Mi Rice Bowl fresh.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated pork and pickled veggies separately in airtight bags for up to 3 months; this will keep flavors intact.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble fresh with rice and garnishes right before serving.
Assembly Tip: Keep garnishes like cucumbers and herbs separate until ready to eat to maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
Make Ahead Options
These Banh Mi Rice Bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Additionally, the pickled vegetables can be made ahead, lasting up to 3 days in the refrigerator—just ensure they are fully submerged in the pickling solution to maintain their crunch. On the day you plan to serve, simply sear the marinated pork and reheat the rice if necessary. Assemble your bowls with the pork, pickles, fresh toppings, and drizzle with sriracha mayo for an exquisite meal, just as delicious as when made fresh!
Expert Tips for Banh Mi Rice Bowl
Marination Matters: Longer marination time enhances flavor; aim for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Hot Skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding pork to achieve a perfect sear and caramelization, which locks in juices.
Pickling Precision: Make sure the sugar fully dissolves in hot water for effective pickling. Skip this step, and you might end up with grainy veggies.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for garnishing to elevate flavors and provide a beautiful contrast on your plate.
Customize Wisely: While this Banh Mi Rice Bowl is versatile, be mindful of balance. Don’t overload on ingredients; a little pickled veggie goes a long way!
Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in airtight containers but assemble fresh garnishes before serving to keep them crisp.
Banh Mi Rice Bowl Variations
Embrace your creativity and personalize your Banh Mi Rice Bowl to suit your tastes!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for an equally flavorful, gluten-free option.
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Protein Swap: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or tempeh instead of pork for a delightful twist.
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Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add fresh chilies or increase sriracha amounts to turn up the spice.
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Pickled Veggie Variety: Experiment with different pickled vegetables like bell peppers or daikon radish for unique flavors.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as mint or cilantro, which not only enhance flavors but also add zest to your bowl.
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Coconut Creaminess: Mix in a splash of coconut milk to the sriracha mayo for a rich, tropical flavor.
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Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice—light and just as satisfying!
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No Mayo Option: Substitute sriracha mayo with a yogurt-based sauce for a tangy, creamy alternative that still packs flavor.
Feel free to mix, match, and enjoy building your perfect bowl of Banh Mi delights!
Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe FAQs
What type of pork is best for the Banh Mi Rice Bowl?
Absolutely! Pork tenderloin is perfect for this recipe as it’s tender and juicy. However, for a lighter option, feel free to substitute it with chicken or tofu, which will still absorb the marinade beautifully.
How should I store leftover Banh Mi Rice Bowl?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to reheat the pork and assemble the bowl fresh with garnishes to maintain their crunch and flavor.
Can I freeze the Banh Mi Rice Bowl?
Certainly! You can freeze the marinated pork and pickled veggies separately in airtight bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then assemble your bowl with cooked rice and fresh garnishes just before serving.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute soy sauce with tamari to create a gluten-free Banh Mi Rice Bowl. This small change ensures you can enjoy the rich flavors without any dietary concerns.
What if my pickled vegetables are too sweet?
If your pickled veggies turn out sweeter than expected, don’t worry! You can add a splash of vinegar to counterbalance the sweetness. Just a teaspoon at a time will help you achieve that perfect tang!
How do I know when the pork is cooked through?
To ensure your pork is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have one, simply cut the pork—if it’s no longer pink and juices run clear, it’s done!
Banh Mi Rice Bowl: Quick, Healthy, and Full of Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Marinate pork in the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear marinated pork slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through.
- In a large jar, combine hot water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add shredded carrots and radishes, secure the jar, and let it marinate for 1 hour or overnight.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and a teaspoon of soy sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with pork, pickled veggies, and fresh cucumber. Garnish with jalapeños, cabbage, and cilantro, and drizzle with sriracha mayo before serving.