Summertime dinners can be difficult- you want something filling and nutritious, but not something too heavy or too hot. Bahn mi are a great way to solve that. These sandwiches are packed with protein and crisp bright pickled vegetables. The best part, is that they are perfectly customizable. Choose your favorite condiments and toppings, or lay out a spread for the whole family so everyone can pick their own!

Ingredients:

• 4 KOL Foods Duck Breasts
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of Chinese Five Spice
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 star anise, broken in half
• KOL Foods Duck Cracklins
• 4 buns (you can use bao, french rolls, or any other sturdy bun)
• Optional toppings:
  • Green onions
  • Pickled ginger
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Shredded carrots
  • Cilantro
  • Sriracha
  • Mayonnaise or aioli
  • Hoisin

1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees.
2. With a paring knife, score the skin of the duck breasts.
3. Mix together the five spice, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mix into the duck breasts on both sides.
4. Put the duck breasts into an over safe pan over high heat, skin side down. 
5. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the skin is crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Turn the breasts over, add the star anise, and put the pan into the oven.
7. Roast until the duck breasts are cooked through, about 7 mins or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees. 
8. Rest the duck breasts for 5-10 minutes.
9. While the duck is roasting and resting, make the duck cracklins.
10. To make the cracklins in the oven, line a baking try with aluminum foil or parchment and lay the duck cracklins out flat. Cover with another sheet or aluminum or parchment and weight down with a heavy pot or another baking tray so that the cracklins stay flat. Bake for 30 minutes until the cracklins are crispy.
11. To make cracklins on the stove, use the drippings from cooking the duck breasts. Add the cracklins to the pan, and use a plate or flat spatula to flatten. Cook over medium high heat until browned and crispy.
12. To assemble the sandwiches, slice your preferred bun, and add your favorite toppings and spreads!