BANH MI THIT HOI AN (VIETNAMESE PORK SANDWICH)

Steps:

• In a frying pan over medium-high heat, stir five spice powder until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir in oil, shallots and garlic. Add ground pork and stir often, breaking apart with spoon, until meat is crumbly and no longer pink, about 15 minute.
• Fried Shallots: In another frying pan, stirfry 1 cup shallots and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until crisp and golden, 6-10 minute Remove from pan and rest on absorbent paper.
• Add soy sauce, sugar and salt to ground pork. Stir well and cook for two minutes.
• Cut baguettes in half crosswise, then split lengthwise almost all the way through the loaf, leaving halves attached at one side.
• Spread 1 tsp chili paste on bottom cut side of each baguette.
• Spoon about 1/6 of the warm ground pork mixture, including juices, over chili paste. Tuck 1/6 of the pork slices evenly into each sandwich. Cover with 1/2 cup salad greens and 1/6 of the basil leaves. Top with thin layer of cucumber slices.
• Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and chill for lunches, picnics, etc.