You can recreate the beloved Vietnamese Banh Mi experience in the form of flavorful fried rice using your rice cooker. This recipe blends savory pork, pickled vegetables, and bold seasonings with cooked rice to deliver all the punch of a Banh Mi sandwich, without the bread.
Perfect for lunchboxes or weeknight dinners, Vietnamese Banh Mi Fried Rice is a satisfying and easy way to enjoy this iconic flavor in a one-pot meal.
What Makes Banh Mi Fried Rice Special?
This dish combines the core flavors of a traditional Banh Mi, spiced pork, sweet-and-sour pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and tangy mayo, into a single rice cooker creation. You don’t need a wok or frying pan, and the results are rich, aromatic, and crave-worthy.
Why You Should Try It
Banh Mi Fried Rice brings global flavor to your kitchen with:
- All-in-one rice cooker prep for minimal cleanup.
- An exciting twist on both fried rice and Banh Mi.
- Customizable ingredients for dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A few pantry staples and fresh toppings come together in this rice cooker-friendly recipe.
- 2 cups jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 2½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
For the Protein Mix:
- 200g ground pork or tofu, sautéed with garlic and hoisin sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional)
For the Pickled Veggies:
- ¼ cup carrots, julienned
- ¼ cup daikon or cucumber, julienned
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
To Finish:
- 1–2 eggs, scrambled separately
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie-style)
How to Make Banh Mi Fried Rice in a Rice Cooker
The secret to this recipe is layering flavors and adding freshness after cooking.
Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Vegetables
- Mix carrots and daikon in a bowl with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Let sit for at least 20 minutes to pickle slightly while the rice cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Base in the Rice Cooker
- Add rinsed rice, broth (or water), soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to the rice cooker.
- Stir in the cooked ground pork mixture.
- Close the lid and start the white rice or regular cooking cycle.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
- While rice cooks, scramble the eggs in a separate pan or microwave.
- Once the rice is nearly done, open the lid and gently mix in the scrambled eggs.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Scoop rice into bowls.
- Top each portion with pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeños, and a light drizzle of mayo.
- Serve warm with extra hoisin or sriracha on the side if desired.
Customization Tips
You can adjust this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs.
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
- Use crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of pork.
- Replace fish sauce with soy sauce and skip the egg or use vegan alternatives.
Make It Spicier
- Add chili oil or crushed red pepper to the rice mix.
- Use spicy mayo on top for a hotter finish.
Add Texture
- Mix in toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
- Add crispy fried shallots or garlic for extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating
This rice keeps well and can be enjoyed later without losing flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave or a nonstick pan with a splash of water or broth.
FAQs About Vietnamese Banh Mi Fried Rice in a Rice Cooker
Here are some questions and answers about making Vietnamese Banh Mi Fried Rice using a rice cooker.
Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking fresh?
Yes, but the rice cooker method works best with raw rice. If using leftovers, mix all ingredients in the cooker and use the “steam” setting for a shorter time or heat in a skillet.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine or long-grain rice provides a light and fluffy texture, perfect for fried rice-style dishes.
Do I have to include mayonnaise?
No. While it mimics the traditional Banh Mi topping, the recipe tastes great even without it.
Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely. Shredded chicken, beef strips, or even shrimp can be swapped in for the pork.
How do I avoid soggy rice?
Make sure to rinse your rice thoroughly and avoid adding too much liquid or sauce during cooking.
Vietnamese Banh Mi Fried Rice in a rice cooker is a flavorful, no-fuss way to enjoy the signature taste of Vietnam’s favorite sandwich in rice form. It’s a perfect fusion meal, simple to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable.