Banh Mi Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Banh Mi Meatballs are a delicious fusion of savory meatballs coated in flavorful sauces and topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb mini or regular size meatballs (or beef)
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/4 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 thinly sliced jalapeño (adjust per heat tolerance)
• 1/4 cup chopped mint (optional)
• 1/4 cup pickled red onions (optional)
• 2 lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Place the frozen meatballs in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, low-sodium teriyaki sauce, and fish sauce.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and cover the skillet.
5. Step 5: Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
6. Step 6: Increase the heat slightly to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, and optional mint and pickled red onions.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh meatballs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Try swapping mint with Thai basil for a different herbal note.
• Serve on a crusty baguette to make a classic banh mi sandwich.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep fresh toppings separate until serving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, homemade meatballs work great. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding the sauce and following the remaining steps.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on the jalapeño and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

Banh Mi Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

Banh Mi Meatballs are a flavorful fusion dish inspired by the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Juicy, savory meatballs simmered in a sweet chili, teriyaki, and fish sauce glaze are topped with fresh shredded carrots, cilantro, jalapeños, mint, and pickled red onions. Served warm with lime wedges, these meatballs encapsulate the vibrant, tangy, and spicy flavors characteristic of Banh Mi in a fun, easy-to-make skillet meal.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vietnamese Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb Mini or Regular Size Meat Meatballs (or beef)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Teriyaki Sauce
• 1 tbsp Fish Sauce

Toppings

• 1 cup Shredded Carrot
• 1/2 cup Chopped Cilantro
• 1 ea Thinly Sliced Jalapeño (adjust per heat tolerance)
• 1/4 cup Chopped Mint (optional)
• 1/4 cup Pickled Red Onions (optional)
• 2 ea Lime Wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Skillet: Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking for the meatballs.
2. Cook Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in the hot skillet and cook them for 3-5 minutes, allowing the exterior to brown slightly.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, low-sodium teriyaki sauce, and fish sauce to create a flavorful glaze.
4. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the skillet, then cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and help the meatballs cook through evenly.
5. Cook Thoroughly: Let the meatballs cook in the covered skillet for approximately 10 minutes, stirring intermittently to coat them well and prevent sticking.
6. Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces to your desired thickness and clings to the meatballs.
7. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeño, mint, and pickled red onions over the meatballs. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Notes

• You can use frozen or freshly made meatballs; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• Pickled red onions and mint are optional but add authentic layers of flavor.
• Serve over steamed rice or baguette to create a complete meal.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the teriyaki and chili sauces are gluten-free.

Keywords: Banh Mi Meatballs, Vietnamese inspired meatballs, sweet chili meatballs, teriyaki meatballs, easy skillet recipe, fusion meatballs, tasty appetizers