Prosciutto and Pork Banh Mi
on Nov 29, 2016, Updated Aug 13, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Prosciutto, slow roasted pork, and a pile of pickley vegetables makes this sandwich something to daydream about.
I do not want to oversell this sandwich, because I want you to bite into it, and close your eyes, and have that moment where time stands still, and you realize that true beauty exists in the world.
How did I do on the not overselling thing?
The very minute you think that you might make a pork roast of any kind, make very sure to make extra, for these sandwiches. And then make very sure to go out and buy some Parma Prosciutto (this is a sponsored blog post by the Prosciutto di Parma Consorzio; they asked, and the word yes could not come out of my mouth fast enough).
What is Prosciutto?
What is so great about this ham, which by law can only be made in the beautiful countryside surround Parma Italy? The ham is made from selected legs of pork, slow cured with sea salt, and the process is very carefully controlled so the end product is always sweet and delicious, with a wonderful texture.
The flavor and texture will range depending on how long the prosciutto has been aged, ranging from a more delicately flavored and softer 12-month prosciutto (the minimum time the pork needs to be aged according to the strict rules of the Consorzio) to 36 months.
In short, look for the crown on the label, which lets you know you are buying the king of hams, authentic Prosciutto di Parma. If possible, buy it sliced to order, though pre-sliced is an option in many supermarkets around the country.
Now, back to the magical, delicious, texturally amazing, balanced, intriguing sandwich. Which, you know, I hope you like.
Prosciutto in Banh Mi
It’s a take on a banh mi, which is a French Colonial Vietnamese sandwich built on a baguette, with some sort of cold cuts or roasted meat, often pork, a variety of vegetables, perhaps a mayo-based slather of time sort. Anyway, I decided to take the leftovers from a fall-apart-cooked pork shoulder, make up a quick pickle of shredded veggies, and build a version of banh mi with Parma Prosciutto and a hefty handful or arugula.
Then the next week, I roasted another 6-pound pork shoulder and bought some more prosciutto. Just so I could make this sandwich again. All hail the king of ham.
Other Delicious Sandwich Recipes:
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Prosciutto and Pork Banh Mi
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- ½ cup shredded carrot
- ½ cup halved and very thinly sliced seeded cucumber
- ¼ cup shredded daikon radish
- ¼ cup slivered or chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves optional
For the Spicy Mayo
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gochujang Sriracha or other hot chili sauce (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
For the Sandwiches
- 4 6-inch pieces baguette
- 8 thin slices cooked pork roast or loin warm or at room temperature (about 3/4 pound total)
- 4 large thin slices Prosciutto di Parma
- 1 cup baby arugula
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the carrot, cucumber, daikon, scallions, vinegar, fish sauce, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Then (ideally) refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the vegetables pickle slightly. Stir in the mint and cilantro.
- In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise with the hot chili sauce, and the lime juice. Season with a bit of salt.
- When you are ready to assemble and serve the sandwiches, halve the baguette lengthwise. Place ¼ of the pork on the bottom of the baguette, cutting the pork to fit the baguette. Layer on some of the slaw, then drape a pieces of prosciutto over the slaw. Top with ¼ of the arugula. Swipe the top of the baguette with the spicy mayo and place the bread on top.
Cannot wait to try this sandwich! I’ll wait to be alone at home so I’ll keep it all for myself.
I approve of that plan.
I have to be honest — I had no idea what a bahn mi was — does it come from the French bon ami? If so, I understand why! What an awesome and delightful combination of flavors, ingredients, and (now I know) cultures. These were delectable! Thanks Katie!
ha! I have to admit I needed to look it up and I found Banh Mi is a Vietnamese term for all kinds of bread. The word is derived from bánh (bread) and mì (wheat, also spelled mỳ in northern Vietnam). But bon ami sounds right to me, too!
this combination really makes the prosciutto pop! loved the pickled slaw with the pork- my husband ate 2 of these in one sitting!
my husband could take on your husband!
Love the inventiveness! It’s a combination of 2 of my favorite cultures…Vietnamese banh mi from my mother and prosciutto from my all time favorite country, Italy. Really, what’s NOT to love. Can’t wait to try it out on my mom and family.
I hope it passes muster with your mom!
whoa! east meets west in a dream sandwich. looks amazing – making a shopping list now. thank you Katie!
you won’t be sorry….
Cannot wait to try this sandwich! Perfect addition to Football Sunday menu for hungry boys home from college. Hearty and delicious combination with elevated flavor boost from the slaw. Yumminess between crunchy baguette!!!
that would be a classy football game sandwich!
Can’t wait to try this. We eat a lot of pork loin because it’s so easy, but I’m always looking for a way to use the leftovers. Love the idea of adding Prosciutto and the pickled veggies.
it is a great way to use up leftovers ( and a very good reason to make sure you have leftovers)
Wow! Love banh mis–especially the cilantro!–but never thought about putting on prosciutto. What a fab idea. Thanks for sharing. Definitely a keeper.
pork squared!
Pork loin + prosciutto? Loving that! Can’t wait to try this.
it’s a perfect pork medley!