Banh Mi Smash Burgers are a delicious fusion of Vietnamese flavors and American comfort food. These crispy smashed pork burgers are inspired by the popular Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi, and are topped with quick-pickled carrots and daikon. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
To make these burgers, you will need ground pork with a high fat content. The fat content in the pork is essential for creating thin patties that crisp and caramelize around the edges without drying out. To achieve the perfect patty, place a small square of parchment paper on the meat ball before pressing it with a firm, heavy spatula to prevent sticking.
Daikon, also known as Chinese or Japanese radish, is a key ingredient in this recipe. Daikon has a crunchy texture and a mild peppery bite with a hint of sweetness. You can find daikon at most Asian grocery stores or online.
When it comes to cutting vegetable matchsticks for the pickled carrot and daikon topping, start by peeling the root vegetable and cutting it into 3-inch-long segments. Then, cut each segment lengthwise into thin planks and stack them before cutting them into matchsticks.
For smashing the burgers, it’s recommended to use a heavy, firm metal spatula like the Männkitchen Best Smashburger Spatula. The large surface area and weight of the spatula ensure evenly pressed patties every time.
To complement the flavors of the Banh Mi Smash Burgers, pair them with a lightly funky natural red wine, such as Domaine Rimbert Le Mas au Schiste Saint-Chinian.
If you want to prepare ahead of time, the pickled carrot mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of these delicious burgers without the hassle of preparing the toppings on the day of serving.
Overall, Banh Mi Smash Burgers are a unique and flavorful twist on a classic burger. With the perfect combination of crispy pork, tangy pickled vegetables, and a hint of spice, these burgers are sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
