Banh Mi Cravings

Every weekend my husband and I get asian foot massages (not as weird as it sounds, they are actually quite AMAZING), and then treat ourselves to vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi) at either Don's, with the best chicken, or Givral, which is right behind Don's and actually accepts credit cards, something rare in the Bellaire Chinatown area. If you are ever in the Bellaire area definitely grab a sandwich. I promise you will not be disappointed by either establishment. They use fresh ingredients and incredible, crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, french baguette that is either baked in house or ordered from a bakery. Not only are these sandwiches so delicious and fresh, but also inexpensive at around $2.50 per sandwich. Subway $5 subs have nothing on banh mi sandwiches!

I was craving these sandwiches the other day and thought, why not just make these yummies at home? They were pretty quick and easy to assemble and oh, so good. They were not as traditional as what you may find at either Don's or Givral because I did not use pate or fresh baked french bread, but they definitely hit the spot. Also, if you would like to know where to go for the best asian foot massages, send me a message!

Ingredients:

1/2 c. shredded carrots
2 tbs. rice wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1 lb. beef milanesa steaks
1 tbs. soy sauce
1 tbs. hot sauce
garlic powder
sea salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tbs. chili garlic paste
2 tbs. butter, softened
1 tbs. srirarcha, or to taste
4 small loaves of french bread
cucumber cut lengthwise
sprigs of cilantro
jalapeno, de-seeded and de-veined, cut into slivers
lime wedges, quartered

- Preheat oven to 400*

- Marinate shredded carrots in rice wine vinegar and sugar, and set aside.

- Whisk together soy sauce, hot sauce, and spices. Rub marinade over steaks. Grill on high heat 'til tender. Let steaks sit before cutting into slices.

- Mix together mayo and chili paste. Set aside.

- Mix together butter and sriracha. Set aside.

- Slice open french bread and spread bottom with the spicy mayo and the top with spicy butter.

- Lay strips of steak on bread and pop in oven until the bread is nice and crispy. Remove from oven.

- Top steak with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, slivers of jalapeno, and sprigs of cilantro. Squeeze a quarter of lime wedge if desired onto the sandwich.

ENJOY!!!