Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a fusion of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam! Our Spicy Meatball Banh Mi is not just a sandwich; it's a culinary adventure packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs, crisp veggies, and a kick of sriracha that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, this recipe combines the heartiness of ground pork with the freshness of pickled carrots and cucumber, all nestled in a warm, crusty baguette. Trust us, once you take a bite, you won't want to put it down!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 4 baguettes
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 carrot, pickled
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of ground pork, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the pickled carrots. If you don't have pre-pickled carrots, you can quickly pickle them by mixing 1 cup of julienned carrots with 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and set aside. You can also prepare any additional toppings you like, such as sliced jalapeños or extra sriracha for more heat.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- To assemble the banh mi, slice the baguettes open lengthwise, creating a pocket for the fillings.
- Spread a thin layer of sriracha on the inside of each baguette for extra flavor. Then, layer in the baked meatballs, followed by slices of cucumber, pickled carrots, and fresh cilantro.
- Close the baguettes gently and serve immediately. Enjoy your spicy meatball banh mi while warm!
Tips
- Meatball Mastery: To ensure your meatballs are juicy and flavorful, don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they help retain moisture. You can also experiment with adding chopped green onions or herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- Pickling Perfection: If you want to save time, use store-bought pickled carrots, but making your own is quick and easy! Just remember to let them sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up the vinegar and sugar.
- Customize Your Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more sriracha to both the meatball mixture and the baguettes. You can also include sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Baguette Bliss: For the best texture, use fresh baguettes that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. If you can find Vietnamese bánh mì bread, even better!
- Assembly Line: When assembling your banh mi, layer the ingredients carefully to prevent sogginess. Start with a layer of meatballs, then add the veggies, and finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every delicious bite of this spicy meatball banh mi!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 573kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 134mg
