Zingy Banh Mi Meatballs Recipe: A Fusion Flavor Explosion

Golden, fragrant banh mi meatballs dance with vibrant Vietnamese flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

These juicy spheres capture the essence of street food magic with every delectable bite.

Blending traditional techniques and bold spices, this recipe brings the zesty spirit of Hanoi straight to your kitchen.

Tender ground pork mingles with aromatic herbs and punchy seasonings, creating a mouthwatering fusion of textures and tastes.

Fresh cilantro, tangy pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of spicy sauce complete this irresistible dish.

Each meatball bursts with complex layers of umami and brightness that’ll transport you to the bustling markets of Vietnam.

Grab your apron and get ready to savor a culinary adventure that promises to become your new favorite meal.

Kitchen Tools for Banh Mi Meatballs

• Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch): Perfect for even cooking and developing delicious caramelization on meatballs.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sweet chili, teriyaki, and fish sauces.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring and turning meatballs while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precise sauce measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing jalapeños, carrots, and garnishes.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Cooking Guide for Banh Mi-Style Meatballs

• Sizzling Skillet

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium flame, creating a perfect cooking surface for your flavor-packed meatballs. Gently place the meatballs into the pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

• Sauce Symphony

Craft a vibrant sauce by blending sweet chili, teriyaki, and fish sauce in a small bowl. Pour this liquid magic over the meatballs, ensuring each morsel gets a luxurious coating.

• Slow Simmer

Cover the skillet, letting the meatballs bathe in their saucy bath. Allow them to warm through completely, reaching a safe internal temperature that guarantees juicy perfection.

• Glaze and Garnish

If you’re after a more intense sauce, remove the lid and let it reduce until it becomes a glossy glaze. Sprinkle the top with a colorful medley of shredded carrots, bright cilantro, and spicy jalapeño slices.

• Final Flourish

Serve your meatballs with a zesty side of pickled red onions and fresh lime wedges. For an extra burst of freshness, scatter some mint leaves on top, transforming your dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Tips to Customize Banh Mi Meatballs

• Mix meatball ingredients the night before and refrigerate to let flavors develop and make morning cooking faster.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for serious spice lovers.
• Bake meatballs in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or use an air fryer for a crispy exterior without extra oil.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Experiment with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for different nutritional profiles and flavor experiences.

How to Serve Banh Mi Meatballs at Home

• Craft Vietnamese-Inspired Sandwiches: Nestle these juicy meatballs into a crispy baguette with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and extra sauce for an authentic banh mi experience.
• Create Delightful Appetizer Platter: Arrange meatballs on a serving board with toothpicks, accompanied by dipping sauces, pickled onions, and fresh herb garnishes for a crowd-pleasing party spread.
• Build Vibrant Rice Bowl: Layer steamed jasmine rice with meatballs, top with shredded carrots, cilantro, and jalapeños, then drizzle remaining sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Elevate Salad Game: Slice meatballs and toss over a crisp green salad with Asian-inspired dressing, adding crunch from pickled vegetables and fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful lunch option.

Storing Banh Mi Meatballs for Later

• Batch Prepare Ahead: Whip up a double batch of meatballs and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and energy.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Keep cooked meatballs in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety in your refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and store for up to 3 months for convenient grab-and-go protein options.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of sauce, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Banh Mi Meatballs

• Ground Pork: Provides rich, juicy flavor and tender texture for meatballs.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates light, airy meatball structure.
• Egg: Acts as natural binder to hold meatball ingredients together.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor profile to meat mixture.
• Shallot: Introduces subtle sweet and sharp undertone to meatball blend.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Delivers sweet-spicy glaze with vibrant tang.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Contributes rich umami and caramelized notes.
• Fish Sauce: Enhances depth of flavor with salty, complex undertones.
• Fresh Jalapeño: Provides optional heat and bright pepper kick.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbal brightness to complement meaty dish.
• Fresh Mint: Introduces cool, refreshing accent to balance rich flavors.

• Shredded Carrots: Adds crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
• Pickled Red Onions: Brings tangy, sharp contrast to rich meatballs.
• Lime: Provides zesty citrus brightness to cut through richness.
• Fresh Jalapeño Slices: Optional spicy topping for heat lovers.

Tender Banh Mi Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Vietnamese banh mi meatballs combine pork, herbs, and spices in a delectable fusion of flavors. Cilantro, sriracha, and pickled vegetables elevate this street-food classic that you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) pork meatballs (mini or regular size, frozen)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) low-sodium teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded carrot
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) thinly sliced jalapeño
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) chopped mint (optional)
• pickled red onions (optional)
• lime wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, creating an optimal cooking environment for the meatballs.
2. Searing: Gently place meatballs into the skillet, rotating every minute to achieve an even golden-brown exterior, cooking for 3-5 minutes until a rich caramelized crust forms.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk sweet chili, teriyaki, and fish sauces in a small bowl until seamlessly blended, developing a complex flavor profile.
4. Glazing: Pour sauce mixture over meatballs, using tongs to delicately coat each morsel, ensuring complete flavor integration and glistening surface.
5. Simmering: Cover skillet with a tight lid, allowing meatballs to gently cook and absorb sauce, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and maintain even heat distribution.
6. Temperature Check: Continue cooking for 10 minutes, confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking while preserving juicy texture.
7. Sauce Reduction: Optionally uncover and increase heat to medium-high, concentrating the sauce into a luxurious, glossy coating that clings to each meatball.
8. Finishing: Remove from heat and artfully garnish with shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, fresh mint leaves, accompanied by pickled red onions and lime wedges for a vibrant, multi-dimensional presentation.

Notes

• Master Even Browning: Rotate meatballs gently every minute to prevent burning and ensure consistent golden-brown color across all sides.
• Sauce Coating Technique: Whisk sauces thoroughly and use tongs to evenly distribute glaze, ensuring each meatball gets maximum flavor coverage.
• Temperature Safety Check: Always confirm internal meatball temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption and perfect doneness.
• Final Flavor Boost: Optional sauce reduction step concentrates flavors and creates a glossy, rich coating that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg