These Vietnamese Pork Meatballs Banh Mi are the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and crunchy. The crispy baguette provides the perfect vessel for the tender pork meatballs, while the pickled carrots and daikon add a tangy crunch that balances the rich flavors. Fresh cilantro and cucumber provide a refreshing contrast, making each bite a satisfying experience.
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine in a convenient, handheld sandwich form. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a weekend gathering, these banh mi sandwiches are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level with more chili peppers for an extra kick.
Full Recipe:
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500g ground pork
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying
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4 Banh Mi baguettes (or crusty baguettes)
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1/2 cup pickled carrots and daikon
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1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
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1-2 red chili peppers (optional)
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Mayonnaise (optional)
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, ginger, cilantro, and green onions. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Slice the Banh Mi baguettes lengthwise, but not all the way through, leaving a hinge.
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Spread mayonnaise on the inside of the baguettes, if desired.
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Add the cooked meatballs into the baguette.
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Top with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, cilantro leaves, and chili peppers (if using).
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Banh Mi and Pork Meatballs
Banh Mi, the iconic Vietnamese sandwich, has taken the world by storm with its unique combination of flavors and textures. While this street food classic has many variations, one of the most beloved is the version filled with juicy, tender pork meatballs. These meatballs, when poached in a rich broth, absorb all the flavors from the seasonings and broth, making them incredibly moist and succulent.
The perfect Banh Mi starts with a crusty baguette, ideally stuffed with a blend of fresh vegetables, pickles, herbs, and of course, the star of the show—the meatballs. But what sets these meatballs apart from others is the cooking method. Instead of frying, the pork meatballs are poached in a savory broth, resulting in an unbelievably soft and pillowy texture. This cooking method allows the meatballs to soak up all the flavors of the broth, making them not only moist but also intensely flavorful.
The Secret to Soft and Flavorful Meatballs
The key to making the softest pork meatballs lies in the technique—poaching. While pan-frying might be the go-to method for many meatball recipes, poaching provides an added benefit of ensuring that the meatballs retain moisture. The meatballs soak up the seasoned poaching liquid, resulting in a burst of flavor with each bite. This method might not give you the golden-brown crust that frying does, but the richness and softness that poaching brings to the meatballs is second to none.
This recipe for Vietnamese pork meatballs also includes a unique ingredient: jicama, a crunchy root vegetable that adds texture and moisture to the meatballs. If jicama is difficult to find, alternatives such as apple, nashi pears, or even daikon radish work just as well. These ingredients provide the right balance of juiciness without overpowering the meatball’s flavor, allowing the seasoning and broth to take center stage.
The Components of a Perfect Banh Mi
The Banh Mi sandwich itself is an artful creation that combines contrasting flavors and textures. The soft, juicy pork meatballs are complemented by the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, such as pickled carrots and daikon, crisp cucumber slices, and vibrant cilantro. For added richness, a spread of mayonnaise or pate is often used to balance the freshness of the vegetables. The spicy kick from fresh chili peppers can also be added for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
What makes the Banh Mi experience even more unique is the bread. The baguette used in Banh Mi is lighter and airier than a traditional French baguette, providing just the right amount of crunch without being overly dense. The combination of the crusty baguette and the soft meatballs creates an irresistible contrast that is sure to please anyone who takes a bite.
How to Serve Vietnamese Pork Meatballs
While Banh Mi is the most popular way to serve these pork meatballs, they can also be enjoyed in other ways. The poaching sauce used to cook the meatballs is flavorful and rich, making it perfect for spooning over a bowl of rice. The tender meatballs and the flavorful sauce create a simple yet satisfying meal on their own.
For a more complete meal, serve the meatballs with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. The balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Why These Meatballs Are a Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or preparing a family meal, these Vietnamese pork meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and customizable to suit different tastes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—whether served in a sandwich or over rice, the meatballs remain the star of the dish.
Additionally, these meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prep. Simply cook the meatballs, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the poaching broth to retain their moisture and flavor.
Cultural Significance of Banh Mi and Pork Meatballs
Banh Mi sandwiches, with their French-Vietnamese fusion, represent the rich history and culture of Vietnam. The French influence on Vietnamese cuisine is evident in the use of the baguette, but the fillings are distinctly Vietnamese, featuring a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Pork meatballs are a traditional filling in Banh Mi sandwiches, loved for their tenderness and ability to absorb the flavors of the broth they are poached in. The combination of tender pork, seasoned broth, and fresh vegetables makes this dish a perfect reflection of the balance of flavors found in Vietnamese cuisine.
How to Make These Meatballs at Home
Making Vietnamese pork meatballs at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. The key is to ensure that the meatballs are mixed just enough to combine the ingredients, but not overworked. Over-mixing can result in dense meatballs, which we want to avoid. Once the meatballs are formed, they are gently poached in a broth made of chicken stock, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and a hint of sugar. This broth infuses the meatballs with a deep, savory flavor, making them incredibly moist and juicy.
The final touch is the poaching liquid itself, which is thickened with a bit of cornstarch to create a rich sauce that can be poured over rice or served alongside the meatballs in the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While the classic Banh Mi with pork meatballs is a fantastic choice, feel free to get creative with your serving options. If you prefer a lighter sandwich, swap out the mayonnaise for a thinner spread of Dijon mustard or a drizzle of soy sauce. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or multigrain baguettes, for a slightly healthier option.
If you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian, try substituting the pork meatballs with plant-based alternatives or tofu. The poaching method will work just as well with vegetarian options, and you’ll still get the same flavorful, juicy result.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Pork Meatballs Banh Mi is a delightful and flavorful dish that blends a rich history of flavors with modern convenience. The poached meatballs offer a unique twist on traditional meatball recipes, providing a soft, juicy texture that is perfect for stuffing into a Banh Mi sandwich or serving over rice. With its balance of savory, spicy, and fresh elements, this dish is a fantastic choice for any meal, whether you’re craving a satisfying sandwich or a comforting bowl of rice.
The Banh Mi with Vietnamese pork meatballs is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in a variety of ways, from a hearty sandwich to a lighter rice dish. The key is the poaching technique, which guarantees moist and flavorful meatballs every time. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply looking for a flavorful meal to enjoy at home, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.