Easy Vietnamese Sandwich- Vietnamese Sausage Sandwich

We may have the French to thank for their influence on Vietnamese sandwiches but today, Vietnamese sandwiches are quickly taking the world by storm. The real ones are few and far between outside of Vietnam proper, though there are the few gems in bigger cities. My version of this easy Asian snack is this low key, no mess Vietnamese Sausage Sandwich that uses ingredients you mostly have in your kitchen, with exception of the Vietnamese sausage. You can find these at most Asian supermarkets everywhere; they come in pork, chicken and vegetarian options. If you have easy access to real Vietnamese sandwiches, lucky you! For some of us who get instantaneous cravings and have to make do with common kitchen ingredients, this is a decent substitute.

Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

8 thick slices white bread

16 thin slices Vietnamese sausage

Cheese slices enough to layer on each slice of bread (I like to use 2 kinds of cheese- brie & some type of sharp cheese)

Grainy mustard for spreading

1 bunch cilantro

5 tablespoons olive oil

Method

In a large non-stick skillet, dry pan-fry the Vietnamese sausage on medium high heat for just a couple of minutes on each side until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.

Spread the mustard on each slice of bread. Layer half of the cheese slices on 4 of the bread slices. Then layer the Vietnamese sausage slices, cilantro and the other half of the cheese slices. Place the 4 remaining bread on top of the open faced sandwiches to close.

In the same non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Carefully place as many sandwiches as can comfortably fit in the skillet. You may have to repeat this in 2 batches (in this case divide the olive oil used). Allow the sandwiches to cook on one side for about 3 minutes or so until golden, then flip and cook again for another 3 minutes. Gently move the sandwiches to a serving plate. Cut in half on the diagonal and serve immediately.