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Meatball Banh Mi

A delightful Vietnamese sandwich featuring savory meatballs, tangy pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs in a crusty baguette.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken) Opt for grass-fed beef or organic chicken for better flavor.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use homemade breadcrumbs for a fresher flavor.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Consider swapping for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Banh Mi Assembly
  • 1 piece baguette
  • 1 cup pickled carrots and daikon radish
  • 1 cup cucumber slices A hydrating and crunchy addition.
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 piece sliced jalapeños (optional) Adjust for heat preference.
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional) For added creaminess.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until incorporated.
  3. Shape the mixture into even meatballs, keeping them about 1 inch in size for uniform cooking.
  4. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
Assembly
  1. While the meatballs bake, slice the baguette open lengthwise and, if desired, spread mayonnaise inside.
  2. Once the meatballs are done, nestle them into the baguette and top with pickled carrots, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños.
  3. Slice into individual servings and enjoy your Meatball Banh Mi!

Notes

For an elegant presentation, slice your banh mi at an angle and serve with iced tea or light lager. Consider dietary variations like vegan or gluten-free options.