SPAM Mi with Egg and Pickled Daikon and Carrot

There are no shortcuts when it comes to making an authentic Vietnamese bánh mì. The bread, the meats, the pâté, the pickles, all of it matters. But that’s not what I’m making here.

This Spam Mi is my quick and easy spin on everything I love most about a perfect bánh mì: something salty and savory, crunchy veggies, pickled carrot and daikon, plenty of fresh herbs, a little heat, and really good bread holding it all together.

Ingredients

For the sandwcih

Bolillo roll, Vietnamese baguette, or other fresh crusty sandwich roll

1 can SPAM thinly sliced

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp honey

fish sauce

1 tsp garlic, finely minced

Black pepper

1 large egg

Mayonnaise

Pate

Pickled carrot and daikon

Thinly sliced cucumber

Fresh cilantro

Thinly sliced jalapeño

Maggi seasoning or soy sauce, optional

Black pepper, optional

Quick Pickled Carrot & Daikon

1 cup carrot, cut into thin matchsticks

1 cup daikon, cut into thin matchsticks

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar, divided

½ cup rice vinegar or white vinegar

½ cup warm water

1. The pickled vegetables are a huge part of what keeps this sandwich from feeling too heavy.

2. Toss the carrot and daikon with the salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Massage everything together for about a minute, then let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. Rinse the vegetables under cold water and gently squeeze out the excess moisture.

4. Mix the vinegar, warm water, and remaining tablespoon of sugar until the sugar dissolves.

5. Pack the vegetables into a jar or container and pour the brine over the top.

6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. A few hours is even better.

7. You'll have more pickles than you need for one sandwich, which is a good problem to have.

For the SPAM Mi

1. Slice your Spam into thin pieces. Mix together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic and black pepper and set aside.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. You usually don't need much oil because Spam already contains plenty of fat.

3. Cook the Spam for a few minutes per side until deeply browned and slightly crispy around the edges. Add in sauce and cook until fully glazed.

4. Remove the Spam and fry your egg in the same skillet. I like mine with crispy edges and a slightly runny yolk, but cook it however you like.

5. Slice your fresh roll lengthwise without cutting completely through the other side.If you want a little extra crunch, toast the bread briefly in the oven or directly in the skillet.

6. Spread mayonnaise generously on both sides of the bread. Add the crispy Spam. Add the fried egg.

7. Top with cucumber, plenty of pickled carrot and daikon, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.

8. Add a small splash of Maggi seasoning or soy sauce if you want a little extra salty, savory punch.

9. Close the sandwich, press it down just enough to keep everything together, and get after it.

Crispy glazed Spam, fried egg, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, mayo, and fresh bread