The classic Vietnamese sandwich made healthy, gluten-free, & vegan. Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders are a hearty, spicy, & veggie-packed recipe you can serve up for lunch, dinner, or a party!
I had to make sure I got out my last grilled recipe before Labor Day! And if you’re into the trends, you’d know that any type of Asian dish is a wide-reaching favorite of many. You know I’m a fan, and a failed fan at that! I never made it to that Thai restaurant I told you about. Summer bucket list FAIL! At least we’re expanding our Far East taste buds to Vietnam this time!
I was kind of blown away when I did some research into the classic Banh Mi sandwich. “Bánh mì” is actually a term used for Vietnamese bread, usually a wheat baguette. Now-a-days, in the Western world, when we say Banh mi, we’re 90% of the time referring to the classic, spicy, “meat-filled”, street food sandwich. Now if you might have guessed, this classic sandwich, usually with pork, mayo, and wheat bread, leaves us Strength and Sunshine eaters in a bit of a pickle.
I never leave you hanging, though! Recreate, remake, reignite! Caveat, I’ve never had a real Banh Mi, but with my pre-recipe development research, I think I nailed this one down pretty well! It’s all about some good bread, pickled veggies, some “meatiness”, and that spicy “not” mayo sauce! No to mention we’re busting out the grill pan for this one! (Grilled food = good food…always!)
For out “meatiness” what better ingredient to use than eggplant! Grilled eggplant is one of my favorite ways to serve it up and its texture is so hearty, creamy, and delicious. A perfect stable base for this killer plant-based Banh Mi!
For the “quick” pickled vegetables I used some crunchy carrot sticks and celery just soaked in some seasoned vinegar while prepping the rest of the sandwich ingredients. Daikon radish is commonly used in the Banh Mi, but confession, I actually don’t care for daikon very much. Celery does the job much better in my opinion and this is the Strength and Sunshine Banh Mi anyway…so we’re rolling with it!
The other essential veggie components used in a Banh Mi sandwich are cucumbers, cilantro, and jalapenos! I’ve always loved this combination of vegetables in the sandwich. The cucumber (and pickled veggies) balance out the heat of the raw jalapeno slices. It’s what I’d call a well thought out sandwich! If you can’t handle too much heat, you can cut super thin slices of the jalapeno or thicker if you want to bring the fire!
Last component and maybe the most important. The “mayo” sauce! Since we are not mayo people here, I channel my inner tah-ayo (i.e. tahini mayo)! Just mix some tahini, sriracha, and coconut aminos together and you have a perfect sauce for the sandwiches! So with all of these components together you get one fantastic vegan Banh Mi. Let’s not forget the bread, though! I used some Bread SRSLY sourdough sandwich rolls! Yes, we even brought sourdough into this recipe! I grilled the buns a bit to give them some crunch and WOW, your first bite of these sandwich sliders will turn you into a Banh Mi fan, however unconvential this recipe may be!
Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders
Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders
The classic Vietnamese sandwich made healthy, gluten-free, & vegan. Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders are a hearty, spicy, & veggie-packed recipe you can serve up for lunch, dinner, or a party!
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main, Sandwich
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
- 4 Bread SRSLY Sourdough Sandwich Rolls
- 1 Medium Cucumber (8 round slices about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 Jalapeno (8 round slices about 1/8 inch thick)
- 4 TB Fresh Chopped Cilantro
- Pickled Vegetables:
- 2 Celery Stalks (julienned)
- 2 Carrots (julienned)
- 1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 Packet of Stevia (or 1 Tsp Sugar)
- 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
- Grilled Eggplant:
- 1 Large Eggplant (8 round slices about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 Tsp Chili Paste
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- Spicy “Mayo” Sauce:
- 2 TB Tahini
- 1 TB Sriracha
- 1 TB Coconut Aminos
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the pickled vegetable ingredients are let sit for 45-60 minutes.
- For the grilled eggplant, rub the sliced rounds with the chili paste and spices. Grill on an oiled non-stick grill pan for 5 minutes on each side.
- You can also grill the sandwich rolls at this time. Slice them and grill sliced side down for 5 minutes.
- For the spicy “mayo” sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- To assemble the sliders, in this order, take a bottom grilled roll half, spread on some of the sauce, 2 slices of the grilled eggplant, 2 slices of cucumber, 2 jalapeno slices, some of the pickled veggies, 1 tablespoon of cilantro, and then spread another thin layer of the sauce on the top grilled roll half before closing up the slider.
- Repeat for the rest of the sandwiches!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Lunch, dinner, or even for a party if you make a large batch, these sliders will be a huge hit! They’d also make a fantastic tailgating, football season dish to serve up in the next few months! Labor Day is next Monday so that maybe the time too! Actually no, the time is NOW! Make these NOW! I want to see you grilled these Banh Mi sliders up! I know these will make you a new fan of the Vietnamese cuisine if you’ve never tried it before. Gotta start somewhere and these sliders are where to start!
So tell me:
+ Ever have a Banh Mi? What kind?
+ Any favorite Vietnamese dishes?
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Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com
These little sammies look fabulous!!! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, they so are!
Sherry Nappa
I love eggplant! This sandwich looks divine!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Marie
Okay, these seriously look incredible! I love grilled eggplant so the rest of the ingredients are just gravy for me. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O! I hope you make it then!! Thanks, Marie!
Gin
I’ve never had a bahn mi sandwich, but if I do I’m going to have yours. It sounds delish and I love the sound of the picked veggies with that spicy sauce!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know you would love it, Gin!
Deborah Davis
These Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders are my idea of a healthy, hearty lunch! Yum! I’m sharing this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are!
Haralee
I love this recipe. Thanks so much for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Marisa
Love this, great & healthy Choice!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure is!
Robin
Bread Srsly does make really yummy GF sourdough. I tried it for my first time when they donated a bunch of rolls to our vegan prom. Have you tried making your own buns? I kinda want to try…
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, I have recipes for gluten-free buns on the blog, I’ve always made my own sourdough.
Elle
Oo this looks really good. I’m always looking for new ways to make eggplant. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is definitely a delicious way!
Julie Syl Pit Stop Crew
I am allergic to eggplant so I wouldnt be eating this unless no egg plant is added at all! Looks yummy though!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do you have a nightshade allergy?
Kate
This is fantastic, bookmarked to try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Let me know!
Emily
Wow Rebecca you must do so much research on different foods; how do you get all these ideas? 🙂 I would love to just watch and learn from you cooking for allergies some day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well that’s what this blog is for!
Nicole
Looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Okay, thanks!
Shannon
Definitely going to try this! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome!
Marla
HI Rebecca,
This grilled eggplant slider sure sounds healthy and tasty. Pinned & Tweeted!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Annmarie
I miss eggplant! I haven’t had it in such a long time- this looks yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Time to fix that 😉
Courtney
We just got some gorgeous eggplant from the farmers market. Definitely trying this 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect timing!
Lisa Pomerantz
Ban mi and gluten free! I’m salivating lake Pavlov’s dog here. TY! That’s a favorite and I though long gone since I’m gluten free now. M’wah!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, well now you can enjoy again!!
Laurie
You always have great recipes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Tiffany
This looks SO good! I love bahn mis and I am loving the slider version! Absolutely love the healthy ‘mayo’ sauce that you created. I need to try this ASAP!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The mayo just seals the deal on these sliders!
Heather Kinnaird
wow, not only are these simply beautiful, I bet SO yummy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They sure are!
nadia
Oh yum! That’s one hearty veggie bap! The pickled veggies sound gorgeous together with the eggplant! Gluten-free vegan sandwich heaven!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, yes! Thank you, Nadia!
Molly Kumar
This looks so yum, I love Banh – Mi – Sandwiches and these would go great as appetizers too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup, exactly.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
Those veggies looks great! This looks seriously so yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Katy SkipTheBag
Yum! This combines two of my favorite things: eggplants and bahn mis! I will have to try this when we get another eggplant off our plant.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect! Let me know if you do!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
These are just the cutest sliders ever! I love that bread – it’s such a “true” sourdough, and can just taste it with grilled eggplant – yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! They nailed the GF/vegan sourdough!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
What a great idea Rebecca 🙂 Gluten free and not eating pork or mayo, I’ve never had a Bahn Mi either! But this looks better than most. Eggplant is the perfect addition– I have had eggplant taco meat on my recipe creation list for years and have never had it turn out quite right… should try again!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Eggplant is always such a great meat substitute!
Amanda
I have never had these before, but I think I would try them! They look like a great way to get some veggies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O yes! They are a must try!!
Carly @ FitLiving Eats
Yummy!! Can you please me these for me? 😉 I love grilled eggplant!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m glad you’re a fan 😉
Elle @ Only Taste Matters
What a delicious looking sandwich! I love your vegan take on it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Alexa
Oh Rebecca, if only I liked eggplant! But you know what? I think a portobello mushroom would look and taste pretty good in its place 🙂 What do you think?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think that sounds like a plan as long as it gets you to make these!! 😉
Vera-OMG Chocolate Desserts
I love eggplant!Must try this recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you enjoy it!
Georgianna
These are so colorful! I am sure they are DELICIOUS. I’ll have to try them out soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are fantastic!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
When it comes to delicious looking vegetable sandwiches, your grilled eggplant banh mi looks just about perfect!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Renee!
kimmythevegan
Ah! You’ve found Bread SRSLY! Aren’t they amazing! I love it.
I’ve been hearing about Banh Mi sandwiches, but haven’t tried one yet. I love the flavour combinations you’ve taken with your recipe! It sounds great =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I “found” them a very long time ago, haha!
It’s just the classic combo…sans meat!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
You always leave me in awe of your creativity! These look wonderful!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Ellen 🙂
Nutrimom
I’m always looking for new ways to use veggies. Thanks for the great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This definitely packs them in!
POPPY
They look so cute! I love the sound of the mayo alternative, must try that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you!
Erica D
I’ve had trouble nailing down a perfect Banh Mi sauce. Hoping this one is it! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Tahini-based sauces never fail us!
Florentina
I need more eggplant in my life. What a fun way to incorporate with this lovely sandwich!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea! Thanks, Florentina!
Wendy
I absolutely love this! I had Banh Mi Sandwiches on my to-do list for next month but the recipe I have uses tofu. Since I can’t have soy I was looking for an option and this sounds like a great one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, yea, no soy here!!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I absolutely love eggplant yet haven’t made it in so long since no one I live with shares my love, lol! Yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It seems like people either LOVE it or HATE it! Haha! (More for you 😛 )
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I’m not a big eggplant fan but these are adorable!! I love pickled veggies and jalapeños and all those flavors!! Great job!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These will turn you into a fan 😉 Thanks Sophia!
Rachel
I’m not a huge eggplant fan but these look and sound delicious!! Can’t wait to give them a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You’re going to love it in this recipe!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
This looks delicious and sounds pretty easy to make! Thanks for the recipe!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are pretty easy!!
Becky Striepe
Aaah these are so cute! I love banh mi, and the only thing better than a banh mi sandwich is a MINIATURE banh mi sandwich! Love.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Miniature everything!!!
Platter Talk
OH! I can taste this already!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha!
The Food Hunter
I’m loving the spicy mayo sauce on this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s so good!
Sondra Barker
I’ve had the classic, street style Banh Mi sandwiches before and they were very delicious, but to see a much healthier alternative that looks so tasty is even better. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, these will blow the traditional out of the park 😉
Megan
LOVE how veggie packed these are!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Super fresh and plant-based!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I love eggplant! Definitely going to make these sandwiches.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What would we do without meaty eggplant 😉
Gluten Free With Emily
Banh Mi Is like my dream recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha 😉
Tiffany deSilva
Wow! This looks delicious! Love the flavor combos and different textures.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, Tiffany!
Megan - The Emotional Baker
I’ve never had a banh mi – traditional or vegan. I love that you used eggplant. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Oooo you are going to love your FIRST bite then 😉
Aish Padihari
I have made eggplant paninis and they are a big hit in my family. I should try your recipe too
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well this is DEFINETLY not a panini!
Evi @ greenevi
OMG, Banh Mi sliders!!! What a genius idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha YESSS!
Clover @ Real Food Renegades
Hi Rebecca! I just recently found your blog (and recently started mine too)! I’m so impressed with all your gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, being allergic to dairy and soy and sensitive to gluten. I’ll be sure to be visiting often to see what you cook up! 🙂
I adore Vietnamese food, though I’ve never tried a banh mi (because of the aforementioned food issues 😉 ) My favourite food ever is pho, which is usually gluten, dairy, and soy-free! Yay!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I still need to make some homemade pho 😛
Well I hope you stop by often! Cheers! xo
Kelly
Love this banh mi better than the real deal. Great ingredients. Can’t wait to try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it IS better than the “real” deal 😉
Jessy @ The Life Jolie
What a tasty way to use eggplant! Our market has had the most gorgeous eggplant varieties this year!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well isn’t that perfect!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Rebecca, these look and sound amazing! I love anything eggplant. I need to pin so I remember to try this sometime!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it!!! You’ll be glad you did 😉
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
These look delicious! I love the flavors in Banh Mi sammies, such a great idea with the eggplant!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love how each bite is so full of fresh flavor and crunch!
Raia
Those are some pretty cute sammiches. 😉 And that “mayo,” too!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The “mayo” is the bomb!
Sandi (@sandigtweets)
My husband was just saying how much he misses Banh Mi…and those rolls are amazing. Can’t wait to make this for him.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You both will LOVE 😉
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands
Wishing I would have picked up some eggplant at the Farmer’s Market, these look delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah!!! Next time 😉
Thank you, Sarah! xo
Cricket Plunkett
I love banh mi’s this vegetarian version sounds awesome! Great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Courtney
It’s been so long since I had any kind of banh mi sandwich, and this healthified version looks seriously amazing! Love that you used eggplant.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s time to bring that to an end!! Grill ’em up!
keeley mcguire
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Linda @ Veganosity
This is my favorite sandwich! There’s a Vietnamese restaurant in Alex’s neighborhood that has the best Banh Mi, the bread is to die for. This looks amazing, Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet it is fantastic!
Quentin Jessen
I never used to like eggplant, but now that I am older and found some good recipes with eggplant in that are so tasty – no doubt this will be one of them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Anytime it’s grilled, you are sure to like it!
Quentin Jessen
Yum! Now I am getting hungry again haha :-p
Farrah
I’ve always wanted to try making my own banh mi sandwiches/sliders–these look amazing! <3!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
#goals 😉
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
Never heard of banh mi but the flavors in here sound INSANE! I totally need to try it now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What!??? I’m shocked :O
Lecy | A Simpler Grace
I love eating veggie sandwiches because they are so crunchy and tasty, but they also let you eat all the colors!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea, I love all the colors!