Sweet, sour, spicy, crunchy — a pork banh mi checks every flavor box. This Vietnamese sandwich is a high protein lunch that never gets boring.
Prepare the pickled vegetables: In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved. Add julienned daikon and carrot, toss to coat, and let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
Marinate pork: In a separate bowl, mix pork with soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes while vegetables pickle.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add pork (in batches for best browning if needed) and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until well browned and just cooked through.
Prepare baguettes: Slice each baguette lengthwise, leaving one side hinged. Spread mayonnaise evenly on both cut sides for moisture control and extra flavor.
Assemble banh mi: Layer cooked pork, drained pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, cilantro sprigs, and jalapeño. Press sandwich gently to compress and serve immediately.