These fried bologna bánh mì bites will be the best appetizer at the party. The contrast between rich, butter-fried crispy edges of bologna atop soft baguette, raw-and-crispy marinated veggies, and the spicy sauce is incredible. I always say that cooking is about contrast, and this is the perfect one-bite example.
Prep Time::40 mins
Cook Time::5 mins
Marinate Time::15 mins
Total Time::45 mins
Servings::24
Yield::24 bites
Ingredients
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce, plus more as needed
1/2 cup julienne (matchstick-cut) or shredded carrot
1/2 cup julienne (matchstick-cut) or shredded daikon radish
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup julienne (matchstick-cut) English cucumber
2 jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced, seeded if desired
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 loaf baguette bread, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 tablespoon butter
6 slices bologna (such as Oscar Mayer™), quartered
Directions
Stir mayonnaise, hoisin sauce, and hot sauce together in a small bowl; set aside until ready to assemble the bites.
Add carrots and radish to a bowl, and pour over the seasoned rice vinegar. Marinate on the counter for about 15 minutes, tossing occasionally.
When ready to serve, prepare cucumber, jalapeno slices, and cilantro; set aside. Spread each baguette slice with about 1 teaspoon hoisin mayonnaise, and arrange baguette slices on a serving platter.
Heat butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, add bologna in a single layer, and fry on both sides, turning occasionally, until edges start to get browned and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. You may need to brown in batches, and reduce the heat if need be.
Place 1 fried bologna slice on each baguette slice, and top with cucumbers, then with marinated carrot and radish. Finish with jalapeno rings, a drizzle of hot sauce, and fresh cilantro leaves.
John Mitzewich
Chef’s Notes:
For faster assembly, after the carrots and radish have been marinated, mix in the cucumbers, jalapeno rings, and fresh cilantro leaves, and then top the platter by randomly scattering over the mixture.
I showed making 12 bites in the video, but ingredients listed make 24.