If you have some turkey leftover from a holiday feast or a simple roast, transform it into something vibrant and utterly delicious with this Leftover Turkey Asian Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe. This sandwich is a joyful fusion of flavors and textures, combining tender turkey with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a spicy, creamy kick that wakes up your taste buds in the best way. It’s an easy, quick way to give your leftovers a fresh new life that doesn’t feel like reheated food at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and bold ingredients is the secret to making this sandwich truly shine. Each component adds a unique touch, from the creaminess of the mayo to the lively crunch of vegetables and the aromatic lift of cilantro.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base that helps meld the spicy and savory flavors together.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds just the right amount of heat and tang to give the sandwich a kick.
- Jalapeño: Fresh, diced jalapeño lends a bright, spicy crunch—adjust to your heat preference.
- Cooked turkey (6 ounces): The star of the dish, shredded or chopped for easy layering and juicy bites.
- Small cucumber: Thinly sliced to add cool crispness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy mayo.
- Small carrot: Grated for a subtle sweetness and bright orange color that makes every bite pop.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Brings a refreshing herbal note that elevates the sandwich’s Asian-inspired profile.
- Small baguette or leftover dinner roll: Provides the perfect crusty yet soft bread foundation that holds everything together.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Asian Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Create the Spicy Mayo Mixture
Start by placing mayonnaise into a small bowl. The amount depends on your bread size and personal preference for creaminess. Next, add Sriracha sauce, starting with just a small squirt—around half a teaspoon—and increase if you like things hotter. This spicy mayo mixture brings the sandwich’s signature creamy heat that perfectly complements the turkey.
Step 2: Add the Jalapeño Heat
Dice a quarter or half of a jalapeño, making sure to discard the seeds if you want to keep the heat moderate. Stir this fresh jalapeño into your mayo mixture, adding a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of spicy brightness that cuts through the richness.
Step 3: Combine Turkey with the Spicy Sauce
Spoon the cooked turkey into the bowl with your spicy mayo. Mix until the turkey is evenly coated—this step ensures every bite is juicy and infused with that kick from the spicy mayo and jalapeño. Adjust the amount of turkey to your liking to get the perfect balance.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Peel the cucumber if you prefer, then slice it very thin to keep the sandwich light and crunchy. Grated carrot adds just the right hint of sweetness and a burst of color. Finally, wash and remove the stems from fresh cilantro to ensure every herbaceous bite shines through.
Step 5: Assemble Your Leftover Turkey Asian Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe
Split your baguette or roll in half. Spread the turkey-spicy mayo mixture on the bottom half, carefully layering to avoid spilling the filling. Layer the cucumber slices, grated carrot, cilantro, and optionally, a few more slices of jalapeño for extra heat. Close your sandwich with the top half of the bread, and you’re ready to enjoy a spectacular meal that comes together in minutes.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Asian Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your sandwich with a few classic garnishes like pickled jalapeño slices or a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing over. Adding fresh red chili slices or extra cilantro can also lift the fresh, vibrant feel of the sandwich.
Side Dishes
A crisp Asian slaw, sweet potato fries, or even a light miso soup make perfect companions to this sandwich. These sides balance the heat and richness, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the turkey mixture in a lettuce wrap instead of bread for a low-carb option. Alternatively, slice the sandwich into smaller sliders to make an impressive appetizer platter for gatherings or game days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover assembled sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one day. To prevent sogginess, store the turkey mixture and veggies separately, assembling just before eating.
Freezing
Freezing the sandwich as-is is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and bread lose their texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the turkey mixed with mayo and jalapeño separately in an airtight container for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat the turkey mayo mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid overheating to keep the turkey tender and mayo from breaking. Toast your bread fresh to bring back the ideal crispy texture before assembling the sandwich again.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works wonderfully in this sandwich and can be substituted one-for-one with turkey. The flavors blend just as nicely and give the sandwich a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
What can I use if I don’t have Sriracha?
If Sriracha isn’t available, other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce, Sambal oelek, or even a spicy mayo blend can substitute well. Adjust the heat to your preference to keep that spicy zing intact.
Is it better to peel the cucumber before slicing?
Peeling the cucumber is entirely a personal choice. Leaving the skin on adds a bit of texture and extra nutrients, but peeling can provide a smoother, milder crunch that some prefer in a banh mi-style sandwich.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The spice level is quite flexible! You control it by the amount of jalapeño and Sriracha you add. To make it milder, reduce these or remove the seeds from the jalapeño completely. For spice lovers, add more or keep some jalapeño slices on top.
Can I make this sandwich vegan or vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on leftover turkey, you can make a delicious vegetarian version by substituting turkey with firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based deli slice. Use the same spicy mayo and fresh veggies to keep that classic banh mi vibe.
Final Thoughts
If you have leftover turkey sitting in your fridge, don’t let it linger! Try this Leftover Turkey Asian Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe and enjoy a swift, flavorful transformation that feels like a brand-new meal. Its bright, bold flavors and simple preparation will make it one of your favorite ways to use turkey leftovers—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Leftover Turkey Asian Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
A quick and flavorful Leftover Turkey Asian Sandwich inspired by the traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi, combining spicy Sriracha mayo, fresh vegetables, and tender turkey for a delicious lunch or snack.
Ingredients
Spread and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (or other hot sauce)
- 1 jalapeno
Sandwich Filling
- 6 ounces turkey (cooked, shredded or chopped)
- 1 small cucumber (thinly sliced, peeled or not)
- 1 small carrot (grated)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (fresh)
Bread
- 1 small baguette (or leftover dinner roll)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adjusting to your heat preference. Mix well to create a creamy spicy spread.
- Add Jalapeno to Spread: Dice a quarter to half of the jalapeno, removing seeds for milder heat, and stir it into the mayonnaise mixture according to your desired spice level.
- Mix in Turkey: Add the shredded or chopped turkey to the spicy mayo, stirring thoroughly until the turkey is well coated and the mixture reaches your preferred consistency. Set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it thinly lengthwise. Grate the carrot if not pre-grated, and wash and chop fresh cilantro, removing stems.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Split the baguette or roll lengthwise. Spread the bottom half generously with the turkey and mayo mixture. Layer cucumber slices, grated carrot, cilantro, and additional jalapeno slices if you like extra heat. Place the top half of the bread over the filling to close the sandwich.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeno and Sriracha levels to suit your spice tolerance.
- Use any leftover cooked turkey, making this an excellent recipe for minimizing waste.
- Optionally toast the baguette lightly for added crunch.
- Substitute other fresh herbs like mint or basil for cilantro if preferred.
- Use gluten-free bread to adapt for gluten sensitivity.
