Bánh Mì

In a large bowl, whisk shallot, garlic, granulated sugar, fish sauce, neutral oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, lemongrass, and 2 teaspoons pepper. Add pork and toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 12.

Set a fine-mesh strainer over a medium heatproof bowl. Place carrot and daikon in strainer; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss and massage vegetables, squeezing out excess liquid as you go, about 2 minutes. Pour out drained liquid and transfer vegetables to bowl; set aside.

In a small pot over medium-high heat, heat vinegar, water, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved and liquid is steaming, about 2 minutes.

Pour hot pickling liquid over vegetables. Cover and let sit at least 1 hour.

<strong>Make Ahead:</strong> Pickles can be made 2 weeks ahead. Fully submerge vegetables in brine in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Place racks in center and upper third of oven; preheat to 375º. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and set a wire rack on top. Remove pork from marinade and arrange in a single layer on rack.

Bake pork on center rack until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meat registers 150º, 14 to 16 minutes. Switch oven to broil and move baking sheet to top rack. Broil, flipping pork halfway through, until charred on both sides, 5 to 7 minutes.

Spread 1 tablespoon mayo on bottom of each baguette, then top with pork, pickled vegetables, a cucumber spear, jalapeño slices, and cilantro. Add a few spurts of Maggi or soy sauce.

<strong>Make Ahead:</strong> Pork can be broiled 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.