Irresistible Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi Recipe to Savor

The aroma of sweet, savory Korean BBQ wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crunchy baguette filled with juicy meatballs, fresh veggies, and a zingy sauce that dances on your taste buds. This is not just food; it’s an experience that makes your heart sing.

Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is the culinary equivalent of a joyride down flavor lane. Whether it’s a casual Sunday brunch or a spontaneous weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bold flavors that will make even your pickiest friends swoon in delight. Get ready to impress everyone with this delightful fusion of Vietnamese and Korean cuisines!

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Pork: Use fresh ground pork for the meatballs; it adds richness and flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together; panko breadcrumbs work particularly well for extra crunch.
• Korean BBQ Sauce: Look for a premade sauce or make your own; either option adds that signature sweet-spicy glaze.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing flavor contrast.

For the Pickled Veggies:

• Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned, they add sweetness and crunch to each bite.
• Cucumbers: Fresh cucumber slices provide crispness and balance out the hearty meatballs.

For Assembly:

• Baguette: A light, crusty baguette is key; it should be sturdy enough to hold all those delicious fillings.
• Mayonnaise: Spread on the baguette for creaminess; consider mixing in some sriracha for an extra kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, and half of the Korean BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper before mixing until just combined—no one wants tough meatballs!

Step 2: Shape Your Meatballs

Using your hands (yes, it’s messy but fun!), shape the mixture into small meatballs about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Bake Those Bad Boys

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. While those beauties are baking, you can start on the pickled veggies!

Step 4: Quick Pickle Your Veggies

In a small bowl, mix equal parts vinegar and sugar (about half a cup each) along with a pinch of salt. Toss in thinly sliced carrots and cucumbers, letting them soak while your meatballs finish cooking.

Step 5: Assemble Your Banh Mi

Slice open your baguette and spread mayonnaise (or spicy sriracha mayo) generously inside. Layer in those succulent meatballs followed by pickled veggies and fresh cilantro.

Step 6: Serve With Style

Transfer your assembled Banh Mi onto plates; consider serving with extra Korean BBQ sauce drizzled over top for good measure—it’s all about that flavor explosion!

Now take a moment to appreciate your creation before diving in! Enjoy every bite of these delectable Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi sandwiches that are sure to elevate any meal occasion into something truly special!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by mixing your meatball ingredients and letting them chill. While they firm up, prepare the pickled veggies. Sear the meatballs until browned, then finish cooking them in the sauce for that extra flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out proteins in your meatballs; ground turkey or tofu work wonderfully! Add some chopped herbs for freshness or switch up the sauce with sweet chili or hoisin for a different twist. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them on the stovetop until heated through while keeping that delicious sauce intact.

I once made these Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi for a potluck, and they disappeared faster than my hopes of eating leftovers! Everyone raved about them, proving that this recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.

FAQs:

What is a Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi?

A Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is a delicious fusion sandwich that combines the vibrant flavors of Korean BBQ meatballs with the traditional Vietnamese banh mi. This dish typically features tender and flavorful meatballs made from ground pork or beef, marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The meatballs are then placed inside a crispy baguette and topped with fresh vegetables like pickled carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and spicy mayo. This unique combination offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

How do I make the meatballs for the banh mi?

To make the meatballs for your Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi, start by mixing ground pork or beef with breadcrumbs, grated garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Form this mixture into small balls and bake them in the oven until golden brown. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them for an extra crispy exterior. Baking or frying will enhance their flavor while keeping them juicy on the inside. Once cooked, these meatballs can be added to your banh mi for a satisfying meal.

What toppings should I include in my banh mi?

When assembling your Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi, consider using fresh toppings that add crunch and freshness. Common toppings include pickled carrots and daikon radish for tanginess, sliced cucumbers for crispness, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños for heat. A drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha adds creaminess and enhances the overall flavor profile. You can also experiment with avocado slices or Vietnamese-style mayonnaise to elevate your sandwich further. These toppings create a perfect harmony with the savory meatballs.

Can I customize my Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of a Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer chicken or turkey instead of pork or beef, feel free to substitute those meats in your meatballs. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or using milder sauces. Vegetarians can enjoy this dish by replacing meatballs with plant-based protein alternatives such as tofu or lentil patties.

Conclusion for Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi:

In summary, creating a Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is an enjoyable culinary adventure that brings together exciting flavors from both Korean and Vietnamese cuisines. By preparing savory meatballs infused with aromatic seasonings and pairing them with fresh vegetables in a crispy baguette, you achieve a delightful sandwich experience. Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste preferences while enjoying this unique fusion dish at home. With its rich flavors and textures, this banh mi will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!

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Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean/Vietnamese

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Description

Savor the delightful fusion of juicy Korean BBQ meatballs, crisp pickled veggies, and creamy mayo in a crusty baguette—an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Korean BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced or julienned
• 1 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large baguette
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and half of the Korean BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper; mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add thinly sliced carrots and cucumbers to marinate while the meatballs are baking.
6. Slice open your baguette and spread mayonnaise inside.
7. Layer in the baked meatballs, followed by pickled veggies and fresh cilantro.
8. Serve immediately for best flavor!

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approximately 280g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: - For additional flavor, consider adding sriracha to the mayonnaise for a spicy kick. - Ground turkey or tofu can be substituted for ground chicken for different protein options.