Num Pang (Cambodian Grilled Pork Sandwich)
Local name: នំបុ័ងសាច់
In short: A crusty baguette filled with grilled lemongrass pork, quick-pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber, cilantro and a swipe of mayonnaise. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 650 kcal
Num pang is the Cambodian sandwich, a crisp short baguette stuffed with grilled meat, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. Street vendors sell it from carts at breakfast and lunch, often wrapped in paper. This version uses lemongrass pork, sweet and salty from fish sauce and sugar, balanced by tangy pickles and fresh cucumber. Chili sauce is added to taste.
Instructions
- Mix the lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, pepper and oil. Coat the pork slices and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Stir the vinegar, water, sugar and salt until dissolved. Add the carrot and daikon and let them pickle for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the pork for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned at the edges and cooked through, at least 71°C (160°F).
- Warm the baguettes in the oven or on the grill for 2 minutes, until the crust is crisp. Split lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Spread mayonnaise inside each baguette. Add the pork, drained pickles, cucumber, cilantro and chilies.
- Press gently and serve immediately, with extra chili sauce.
Tips
- Use a light, crisp baguette with a thin crust that shatters when you bite it. Heavy crusty bread makes the sandwich hard to eat.
- Swap the pork for sliced chicken thighs, grilled beef or fried tofu. A smear of liver pâté under the mayonnaise is the classic street version.
Questions and answers
How is num pang different from banh mi?
They are close cousins, since both are baguette sandwiches with pickles and herbs. Num pang fillings vary by vendor and can include pâté, grilled pork, pork meatballs or braised pork belly.
Can I prepare the pork ahead?
Marinate the pork up to 24 hours ahead. Grill it fresh, or reheat leftovers in a hot pan for 1 to 2 minutes, then assemble.
How long do the pickles keep?
In a sealed jar in the fridge they keep for 2 weeks. They get softer and stronger over time.
How long does it take to make Num Pang (Cambodian Grilled Pork Sandwich)?
About 40 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Num Pang (Cambodian Grilled Pork Sandwich)?
About 650 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 61 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 650 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 1700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
