High-Protein Pork Belly Banh Mi with Gut-Healthy Pickled Veggies

A modern, nutrient-focused twist on the classic Vietnamese pork belly banh mi, designed for better health, digestion, and satiety. Tender pork belly (or a lighter protein of your choice) is marinated and grilled for big flavor with less fat, then tucked into a high-fiber, whole-grain mini baguette for blood sugar stability and lasting satisfaction. Gut-friendly quick-pickled carrots and daikon add a tangy crunch, while fresh cucumber, cilantro, and mint give bursts of freshness and antioxidants. Toasted pumpkin seeds and hard-boiled egg slices further boost levels of magnesium, choline, vitamin D, and more—key nutrients for your brain, energy, and overall vitality. With easy prep and tons of color, this heart- and gut-smart banh mi brings excitement (and nutrition) to your weekly meals.

Overview

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

35 min

Yield

4 servings

Serving Size

1 banhmisandwich (350 grams)

Pork belly

Skinless, trimmed of excess fat

12 oz (about 3 oz per serving)

High-fiber whole-grain baguette or roll

Look for 3-5g fiber per serving; preferably sprouted or sourdough for easier digestion

4 mini baguettes (about 4-5 inches each)

Carrot

Julienned

1 medium

Daikon radish

Julienned

1 small (about 1/2 cup when julienned)

Rice vinegar

Unseasoned, for pickling vegetables

1/4 cup

Coconut aminos

For a soy-free, low-sodium alternative to soy sauce in marinade and pickles

2 tablespoons

Fresh cilantro

Roughly chopped

1/2 cup

Fresh mint leaves

Roughly chopped

1/4 cup

Cucumber

Thinly sliced lengthwise

1/2 cucumber

Magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds

Lightly toasted, for crunch and nutrients

2 tablespoons

Egg

Boiled and sliced (optional, for choline, protein, and B vitamins)

2 large

Garlic

Minced, for marinade

2 cloves

Lime

Cut into wedges, to serve

1

Olive oil

For toasting bread or grilling pork

2 teaspoons

Fresh jalapeño

Thinly sliced, to taste (optional/adjust for spice tolerance)

1 small

Salt

For seasoning

1/2 teaspoon

Black pepper

For seasoning

1/2 teaspoon

Steps

 
0 of 6

Nutrition Facts

Calories per Serving

390

Total Fat

16g

Saturated Fat

4g

Trans Fat

0g

Monounsaturated Fat

6g

Polyunsaturated Fat

3g

Cholesterol

120mg

Sodium

650mg

Total Carbohydrates

37g

Dietary Fiber

8g

Soluble Fiber

3g

Insoluble Fiber

5g

Total Sugars

6g

Added Sugars

0g

Sugar Alcohols

0g

Protein

25g

Calcium

90mg

Iron

3.5mg

Potassium

550mg

Vitamin A

1700mcg

Vitamin C

19mg

Phosphorus

230mg

This recipe was crafted to avoid the following ingredients:
Soy
Dairy
Peanut
Tree Nut