Today's recipe: Asian Banh Mi Bi Sandwiches

  This recipe comes from The Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, FL. This delicious pulled pork sandwich cannot be found on their regular menu. It is a delicious creation that is reserved for special events. The best part of all? Every part of this recipe can be used separately as well. Make some Noise in the kitchen! Enjoy!

ASIAN BANH MI BI SANDWICHES

Photo by: Alicia Mazzara

http://mobile.dcist.com/2009/04/first_look_pho_14.php?gallery0Pic=1

Ingredients:

Sub Rolls (pick your favorite!)                                  
5 oz unsauced Pulled Pork Meat 

2 oz Asian BBQ sauce*                                                       
1/4 cup Cucumber Salad*

1/4 cup Marinated Carrots*                                               
2 tbsp Sriracha Mayonnaise

1tbsp chopped Cilantro                                                                             
1 tbsp Basil

For Asian BBQ Sauce:

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil                                                      
2 tbsp grated Ginger

3/4 cup Hoisin Sauce                                                                      
1/4 cup Soy Sauce

1 tsp Salt                                                                                         
1 tbsp Sesame Oil

3/4 cup pureed Yellow Onions                                                              
1 cup Ketchup

1/4 cup Rice Vinegar                                                             
1/2 tsp Asian Five Spice

     Puree onions and reserve. Place the oils in a sauce pan over medium heat. Heat until they lightly smoke. Add onion and ginger and saute for 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir with a wire whip. Bring to a slow simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.


For Cucumber Salad:
2 cups Cucumber Slices                                              
1/2 cup julienned Red Peppers
1/2 cup Onions                                      
1/2 tsp chopped Jalapeno Pepper (optional)
2 tbsp chopped Cilantro                                
1/4 cup Sesame Dressing (store bought)
     Cut cucumber into half moons and place in a mixing bowl. Add red pepper strips, onion, jalapenos, and cilantro into mixing bowl. Add sesame dressing and toss.


For Marinated Carrots:
2 cups Matchstick Carrots                                                      
1tbsp chopped Cilantro
1/4 cup Sweet and Sour Sauce (store bought)
     Place ingredients into a bowl and mix until carrots are well coated.


To Assemble Sandwiches:
     Spread the pulled pork meat on the sub rolls. Ladle the BBQ sauce over the pulled pork. Top with cucumber salad and marinated carrots. Drizzle the mayo and sprinkle with cilantro and basil.


     If you want to make your sandwiches a little healthier, try substituting shredded chicken breast or flounder for the pork and omit the mayo. It's a delicious vegetarian treat too, just eliminate all meat!