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Banh Mi Meatballs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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