Lemongrass Steak Banh Mi Sandwich

LEMONGRASS STEAK BANH MI SANDWICHES

Lemongrass steak:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. fish sauce
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. minced lemongrass
• 2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. minced ginger
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• ½ tsp. ground white pepper
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 lbs. flank steak
Pickled vegetables:

• 1 large daikon radish, peeled and julienned
• 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup white vinegar
Sandwich:

• 1 French baguette, trimmed and halved to desired length
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the lemongrass steak, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, olive oil, lemongrass, rice wine vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Season the steak on both sides with the salt and pepper then place it in an airtight container. Pour the marinade over the top and turn the steak so that both sides are coated. Marinate the steak for at least an hour and up to overnight (time permitting).

Directions:

1.When you’re ready to cook the steak, let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Heat a large lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat then add the steak and sear on both sides, about 5 minutes each side (depending on thickness), until the meat registers an internal temperature of 140°, medium. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes. Thinly slice the meat and set aside.

2.For the pickled vegetables, add the daikon and carrots to a bowl and toss with the salt and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Use your hands to massage and squeeze the vegetables until they have reduced to about ¼ of their size. Rinse the vegetables in a fine mesh strainer under cold water then return to the bowl. In another medium bowl combine 1 cup of cold water, the remaining sugar and vinegar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the daikon and carrots then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before using and up to 4 weeks. When ready to use remove the vegetables from the marinade.

3.For the sandwich, slice each baguette lengthwise and lightly butter on both sides. Place on a cookie sheet and broil until the bread is golden brown, about 2 minutes. To assemble the sandwiches, spread about a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each baguette, then top with a layer of cucumber followed by a layers of jalapeños, pickled carrots and daikon then cilantro. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve.