Give Your Next Bánh Mì Sandwich A Hawaiian-Style Twist With This Addition

The Vietnamese sandwich bánh mì is a whimsical amalgamation of flavors that satisfies all the senses — savory yet tangy and charmingly sweet, while also being soft and crunchy. Literally translated to "bread" in Vietnamese, the sandwich has taken the world by storm, with chefs putting their own spins on the classic, swapping out traditional proteins for vegetarian mushrooms or even fish (canned sardines are a common bánh mì filling). And one brilliant substitution for the usual pork belly is the mighty-yet-humble Spam.

A classic bánh mì consists of a number of pork products, like pâté, sausage, or thin slices of ham and pork, along with a smattering of pickled vegetables, cilantro, cucumber, and chiles, all tucked into a crusty baguette and finished with a schmear of creamy mayonnaise to complement the richness. Because pâté is itself a savory combination of pork and fat, it makes perfect (and economical) sense for Spam to become the meaty star of the show instead.

Spam is not to be slept on. A staple of home cooks since the Great Depression, it was an affordable answer to getting protein on the dinner table. Made with pork shoulder and ham, it's super savory and salty, and it's now a chef's darling — reigning supreme in the Aloha State and being reinvented and incorporated into dishes including Spam musubi and katsu curry.

One thing is absolutely certain: Do not skimp on the bread; it's just as important as what's piled inside. A true bánh mì is like a po'boy in that it requires a specific loaf that delivers that essential contrast between a crackly crust and a soft, airy interior.

When making this at home, slice your Spam into thick pieces that match the heft of the pâté, and be sure to gently sear them in a nonstick skillet until lightly caramelized and crisp around the edges. Cut the bread in half lengthwise and schmear on a hefty portion — or as much or as little as you like — of mayonnaise before piling on the Spam, sliced meats, and pickled vegetables like daikon radish and carrots, or đồ chua. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and diced chiles, and enjoy the fruits of your not-so-difficult labor. For an extra creamy bite, Kewpie mayo, commonly used in Japanese cuisine, would make an excellent choice. And for further indulgence, top your sandwich with a fried egg.

Spam comes in a variety of flavors, many of which lend themselves wonderfully to a bánh mì. The Korean BBQ and Hot & Spicy varieties bring a welcome hit of heat and sweetness, while Hickory Smoke adds an extra layer of flavor that plays particularly well with the sandwich's tangy pickled vegetables.