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
- 4 Bread SRSLY Sourdough Sandwich Rolls
- 1 Medium Cucumber (8 round slices about ¼ inch thick)
- 1 Jalapeno (8 round slices about ⅛ inch thick)
- 4 TB Fresh Chopped Cilantro
- Pickled Vegetables:
- 2 Celery Stalks (julienned)
- 2 Carrots (julienned)
- ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 Packet of Stevia (or 1 Tsp Sugar)
- ¼ Tsp Sea Salt
- Grilled Eggplant:
- 1 Large Eggplant (8 round slices about ¼ inch thick)
- 1 Tsp Chili Paste
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Onion Powder
- Spicy "Mayo" Sauce:
- 2 TB Tahini
- 1 TB Sriracha
- 1 TB Coconut Aminos
- 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!
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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These little sammies look fabulous!!! 🙂
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com recently posted…Coping with Fear & Anxiety on the Bike
Haha, they so are!
I love eggplant! This sandwich looks divine!
Sherry Nappa recently posted…Funtastic Friday #90
Thank you!
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!
Marie recently posted…Make Your Own Coloring Book
O! I hope you make it then!! Thanks, Marie!
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!
I know you would love it, Gin!
These Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders are my idea of a healthy, hearty lunch! Yum! I’m sharing this!
Deborah Davis recently posted…It’s Party Time at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop #127
They are!
I love this recipe. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks!
Love this, great & healthy Choice!
It sure is!
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…
Yes, I have recipes for gluten-free buns on the blog, I’ve always made my own sourdough.
Oo this looks really good. I’m always looking for new ways to make eggplant. Thanks for sharing!
This is definitely a delicious way!
I am allergic to eggplant so I wouldnt be eating this unless no egg plant is added at all! Looks yummy though!
Do you have a nightshade allergy?
This is fantastic, bookmarked to try!
Awesome! Let me know!
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.
Emily recently posted…The Ultimate Fall Lover’s Pumpkin Recipe Round-Up
Well that’s what this blog is for!
Looks great!
Okay, thanks!
Definitely going to try this! 🙂
Awesome!
HI Rebecca,
This grilled eggplant slider sure sounds healthy and tasty. Pinned & Tweeted!
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #155 – Celebrate With Labor of Good Health
Thank you!
I miss eggplant! I haven’t had it in such a long time- this looks yummy!
Annmarie recently posted…Super Easy Pumpkin Almond Superseed Butter
Time to fix that 😉
We just got some gorgeous eggplant from the farmers market. Definitely trying this 🙂
Perfect timing!
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!
Hahaha, well now you can enjoy again!!
You always have great recipes!
Laurie recently posted…September 2016: Country Fair Blog Party
Thanks!
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!
The mayo just seals the deal on these sliders!
wow, not only are these simply beautiful, I bet SO yummy
Heather Kinnaird recently posted…ham and pineapple + turkey, apple, cheddar wraps
They sure are!
Oh yum! That’s one hearty veggie bap! The pickled veggies sound gorgeous together with the eggplant! Gluten-free vegan sandwich heaven!
nadia recently posted…Sesame Caramel Bars (Video) Raw/Vegan/Gluten-free
Yes, yes! Thank you, Nadia!
This looks so yum, I love Banh – Mi – Sandwiches and these would go great as appetizers too.
Yup, exactly.
Those veggies looks great! This looks seriously so yummy!
Thank you!
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.
Perfect! Let me know if you do!
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!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Milk Allergy at School: High Risk Dairy Foods & Suggested Solutions
Yes! They nailed the GF/vegan sourdough!
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!
Eggplant is always such a great meat substitute!
I have never had these before, but I think I would try them! They look like a great way to get some veggies!
Amanda recently posted…5 Gluten Free School Lunches, That Aren’t Peanut Butter and Jelly!
O yes! They are a must try!!
Yummy!! Can you please me these for me? 😉 I love grilled eggplant!
Carly @ FitLiving Eats recently posted…Antioxidant-Rich Super Grain Salad with Cherries & Walnuts
I’m glad you’re a fan 😉
What a delicious looking sandwich! I love your vegan take on it!
Elle @ Only Taste Matters recently posted…Building a Paleo Pantry: Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth
Thanks!
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?
Alexa recently posted…Best Nonstick Fry Pan & Fried Tomatoes
I think that sounds like a plan as long as it gets you to make these!! 😉
I love eggplant!Must try this recipe!
Vera-OMG Chocolate Desserts recently posted…Apple Snickerdoodles
I hope you enjoy it!
These are so colorful! I am sure they are DELICIOUS. I’ll have to try them out soon.
Georgianna recently posted…Potluck Dinner Club: American Foods (with Bonus Broccoli Salad Recipe)
They are fantastic!
When it comes to delicious looking vegetable sandwiches, your grilled eggplant banh mi looks just about perfect!
Thanks Renee!
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 =)
kimmythevegan recently posted…Yosemite Trip 2016
I “found” them a very long time ago, haha!
It’s just the classic combo…sans meat!
You always leave me in awe of your creativity! These look wonderful!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 08/26/16
Thank you, Ellen 🙂
I’m always looking for new ways to use veggies. Thanks for the great idea!
This definitely packs them in!
They look so cute! I love the sound of the mayo alternative, must try that!
POPPY recently posted…Rhubarb & Orange
Haha, thank you!
I’ve had trouble nailing down a perfect Banh Mi sauce. Hoping this one is it! 🙂
Tahini-based sauces never fail us!
I need more eggplant in my life. What a fun way to incorporate with this lovely sandwich!
Haha, yea! Thanks, Florentina!
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!
Ha, yea, no soy here!!
I absolutely love eggplant yet haven’t made it in so long since no one I live with shares my love, lol! Yummy!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Paleo Sweet Potato Hash with Apples and Bacon {Whole30}
It seems like people either LOVE it or HATE it! Haha! (More for you 😛 )
I’m not a big eggplant fan but these are adorable!! I love pickled veggies and jalapeños and all those flavors!! Great job!
Sophia | Veggies Don’t Bite recently posted…Easy Vegan Cheesecake Pudding with Blackberry Compote
These will turn you into a fan 😉 Thanks Sophia!
I’m not a huge eggplant fan but these look and sound delicious!! Can’t wait to give them a try!
You’re going to love it in this recipe!
This looks delicious and sounds pretty easy to make! Thanks for the recipe!!
They are pretty easy!!
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.
Becky Striepe recently posted…Comment on Chocolate Shake Green Smoothie by Becky Striepe
Miniature everything!!!
OH! I can taste this already!
Haha!
I’m loving the spicy mayo sauce on this!
The Food Hunter recently posted…Wild Blueberry Pie With Pecan Crust
It’s so good!
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!
Haha, these will blow the traditional out of the park 😉
LOVE how veggie packed these are!
Super fresh and plant-based!
I love eggplant! Definitely going to make these sandwiches.
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day recently posted…Peanut Butter Green Smoothie
What would we do without meaty eggplant 😉
Banh Mi Is like my dream recipe!
Hahaha 😉
Wow! This looks delicious! Love the flavor combos and different textures.
Thanks, Tiffany!
I’ve never had a banh mi – traditional or vegan. I love that you used eggplant. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Matcha Almond Sandwich Cookies
Oooo you are going to love your FIRST bite then 😉
I have made eggplant paninis and they are a big hit in my family. I should try your recipe too
Haha, well this is DEFINETLY not a panini!
OMG, Banh Mi sliders!!! What a genius idea!
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Simple Oil-Free Savoury Quinoa Granola
Haha YESSS!
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!
I still need to make some homemade pho 😛
Well I hope you stop by often! Cheers! xo
Love this banh mi better than the real deal. Great ingredients. Can’t wait to try!
Kelly recently posted…Sunflower Tahini Cucumber Roll-Ups
Haha, it IS better than the “real” deal 😉
What a tasty way to use eggplant! Our market has had the most gorgeous eggplant varieties this year!
Well isn’t that perfect!
Rebecca, these look and sound amazing! I love anything eggplant. I need to pin so I remember to try this sometime!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Blueberry Chickpea Donuts {GF, Low Cal, Vegan}
Do it!!! You’ll be glad you did 😉
These look delicious! I love the flavors in Banh Mi sammies, such a great idea with the eggplant!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish recently posted…Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Milkshake
I love how each bite is so full of fresh flavor and crunch!
Those are some pretty cute sammiches. 😉 And that “mayo,” too!!!
Raia recently posted…Cinnamon Coconut Granola
The “mayo” is the bomb!
My husband was just saying how much he misses Banh Mi…and those rolls are amazing. Can’t wait to make this for him.
Sandi (@sandigtweets) recently posted…Easy Apple Crisp Overnight Oats
You both will LOVE 😉
Wishing I would have picked up some eggplant at the Farmer’s Market, these look delicious!
Ah!!! Next time 😉
Thank you, Sarah! xo
I love banh mi’s this vegetarian version sounds awesome! Great idea!
Cricket Plunkett recently posted…Stove Top Roasted Garlic #SundaySupper
Thank you!
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.
Courtney recently posted…Easy Cheesy Spinach Bake
It’s time to bring that to an end!! Grill ’em up!
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
keeley mcguire recently posted…Lunch Made Easy: Back to School Ideas!
Thanks!
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!
Linda @ Veganosity recently posted…Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins
I bet it is fantastic!
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!
Anytime it’s grilled, you are sure to like it!
Yum! Now I am getting hungry again haha :-p
Quentin Jessen recently posted…The Freedom of Forgiveness
I’ve always wanted to try making my own banh mi sandwiches/sliders–these look amazing! <3!!
Farrah recently posted…Day in the Life: Practice Management
#goals 😉
Never heard of banh mi but the flavors in here sound INSANE! I totally need to try it now!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…55+ Gluten-Free Vegan College Breakfast Recipes
What!??? I’m shocked :O
I love eating veggie sandwiches because they are so crunchy and tasty, but they also let you eat all the colors!
Lecy | A Simpler Grace recently posted…Simple Gratitude | 43
Haha, yea, I love all the colors!