She Strengthens

A Flavorful Twist on Two Classics

The Ultimate Sandwich Showdown

Imagine combining the bold flavors of an American Sloppy Joe with the vibrant essence of a Vietnamese banh mi. The result is a mouthwatering sandwich that will leave you craving for more.

Spice Level Alert!

When working with curry paste, remember that not all brands are created equal. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños to take it up a notch.

More Banh Mi Delights

Looking for more banh mi inspiration? Try our Banh Mi Chicken Burger recipe for a modern twist or our classic Pork and Pâté Banh Mi recipe for a traditional take.

Recipe Details

Yields: 4 sandwiches
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes

Gather Your Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup minced shallot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 to 3 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 pound ground beef
• About 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 2 to 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 cup each carrots, English cucumber, and jicama, cut into matchsticks
• 1/2 cup cilantro sprigs
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 4 French rolls, sub buns, or 1 baguette, cut into 4 equal pieces, split, and lightly toasted

Let’s Get Cooking!

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until the shallot begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the red curry paste and cook for an additional 45 seconds.

Add the ground beef and salt, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Then, add the coconut milk and sugar, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of lime juice to the beef mixture. Fill the toasted buns with the beef, dividing it evenly among the four sandwiches. In a separate bowl, toss the carrots, cucumbers, jicama sticks, and cilantro with the remaining 1 tablespoon each of oil and lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Top the sandwiches with the vegetable mixture, and get ready to indulge in a flavorful fusion of East meets West!