18 Authentic Vietnamese Meatballs Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavors and use of fresh ingredients. One dish that embodies these qualities is the Vietnamese meatball, also known as "xíu mại." These savory bites are a staple in Vietnamese households and are often served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. In this article, we will share an authentic Vietnamese meatball recipe that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Vietnamese meatballs, also known as xiu mai, are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a main course. These meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground pork and beef, along with fragrant herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. They are then simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please any palate.
2of 20
Grilled Vietnamese Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Cilantro, Garlic Cloves, Green Onions
For a twist on the traditional Vietnamese meatballs, try grilling them instead of simmering them. This method adds a smoky and charred flavor to the meatballs, making them even more delicious. To make grilled Vietnamese meatballs, simply form the meat mixture into balls and place them on skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are cooked through. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice for a perfect summer meal.
3of 20
Lemongrass Vietnamese Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Lemongrass Stalks, Cilantro, Small Onion, Ginger
One of the key ingredients in Vietnamese meatballs is lemongrass, which adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the dish. To make lemongrass Vietnamese meatballs, finely chop fresh lemongrass and mix it into the meat mixture before forming the balls. This will infuse the meatballs with a delicate citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the other herbs and spices.
4of 20
Vietnamese Meatballs Vermicelli Noodles
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash, Salt, Ground Pork, Garlic Cloves
A popular way to serve Vietnamese meatballs is over vermicelli noodles, also known as bun. These thin rice noodles have a delicate texture and are typically served cold or at room temperature. To make a delicious vermicelli noodle bowl with Vietnamese meatballs, cook the noodles according to package instructions, then top them with the meatballs, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sauce.
5of 20
Vietnamese Meatballs (Bun Cha)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Mint, Basil, Cilantro
Bun cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features grilled pork meatballs served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. To make this dish with a twist, substitute the pork meatballs with the more flavorful and fragrant Vietnamese meatballs. The result will be a tasty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
6of 20
Vietnamese Meatballs (Xiu Mai)
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Ground Pork, Salt, Pepper, Cooking Wine, Soy
Xiu mai is another popular Vietnamese dish that features meatballs simmered in a savory sauce. These meatballs are typically served over rice or noodles and are a staple in many Vietnamese households. While the traditional version uses ground pork, feel free to use a combination of pork and beef for a more flavorful and juicy meatball.
7of 20
Bún Chả (Vietnamese Meatballs)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Garlic, Shallot, Minced Lemongrass, Honey
Bun cha is a popular street food in Vietnam that features grilled pork meatballs served with rice noodles, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. To make this dish at home, simply substitute the pork meatballs with Vietnamese meatballs for a delicious and unique twist. Serve it with a side of pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
8of 20
Vietnamese Meatballs With Broccoli Rice (Keto, Paleo)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Lemon Grass, Ginger, Garlic, Red Chilli
If you're looking for a low-carb and healthy option, try serving Vietnamese meatballs with broccoli rice. To make the broccoli rice, simply pulse raw broccoli in a food processor until it resembles rice. Then, sauté it in a pan with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve it with the meatballs and a flavorful sauce for a keto and paleo-friendly meal.
9of 20
Vietnamese Meatballs and Rice Noodles with Tangy-Sweet...
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Daikon, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Fish Sauce
This dish is a combination of the popular Vietnamese dish bun cha and the Thai dish pad thai. It features rice noodles, grilled Vietnamese meatballs, and a tangy-sweet sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Top it with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and texture.
For a lighter and healthier option, try making Vietnamese meatballs with ground chicken instead of pork and beef. These chicken meatballs are just as flavorful and delicious, and are a great alternative for those looking to cut back on red meat. Serve them with rice or noodles and a side of fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
11of 20
Bun Cha – Vietnamese Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Pork Mince, Fish Sauce, White Sugar, Green Onions
Bun cha is a popular dish in Hanoi, Vietnam, and is made with grilled pork meatballs served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The meatballs are typically flavored with garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce, giving them a unique and delicious taste. To make this dish at home, simply substitute the pork meatballs with the more flavorful and fragrant Vietnamese meatballs.
12of 20
Vietnamese Meatball Pho Noodle Soup (Pho Bo)
Main Ingredients: Beef Stock, Green Onions, Chopped Cilantro, Ginger, Bay
Pho is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that is typically made with beef or chicken. To make a unique and tasty version, try using Vietnamese meatballs instead of the traditional meat. The meatballs will add a delicious and fragrant twist to the classic soup, making it even more satisfying and flavorful.
While traditional pho is made with beef or chicken, many restaurants also offer a version with meatballs. These meatballs are typically simmered in the broth with the other ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful soup. Give it a try the next time you're craving pho for a new and delicious experience.
14of 20
Delicious Swedish Meatballs Using Frozen Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Beef Broth, Sour
If you're short on time or don't feel like making meatballs from scratch, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Swedish meatballs with a simple shortcut. Use frozen meatballs instead and prepare them according to package instructions. Then, make a creamy and flavorful sauce using ingredients like beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve the meatballs and sauce over egg noodles for a quick and easy meal.
15of 20
Vietnamese Meatball Bowls
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Ground Pork, Lemongrass, Garlic Cloves
For a fun and customizable meal, try making Vietnamese meatball bowls. Simply cook rice, vermicelli noodles, or quinoa as a base, and top it with Vietnamese meatballs, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sauce. You can also add in other toppings like pickled vegetables, chopped peanuts, or sliced cucumbers for a burst of flavor and texture.
16of 20
Vietnamese Meatball Noodle Bowl
Main Ingredients: Ground Meat, Fresh Basil, Garlic Cloves, Green Onions
Similar to the meatball bowl, a Vietnamese meatball noodle bowl is a delicious and customizable meal that is perfect for any occasion. Simply mix together cooked noodles, Vietnamese meatballs, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce, and top it with your favorite toppings. You can also add in some vegetables for a more well-rounded dish.
17of 20
Homemade Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Bread, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Parmesan
If you're feeling ambitious, try making Vietnamese meatballs from scratch. While the process may seem daunting, it is actually quite simple and the result is well worth the effort. Start by combining ground pork and beef with fragrant herbs and spices, and then form the mixture into balls. Cook the meatballs in a flavorful sauce and serve them with rice or noodles for a satisfying and delicious meal.
18of 20
Classic Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Olive Oil, Beef Mince, Pork Mince, Ricotta
While we've covered many variations of Vietnamese meatballs, sometimes you just can't beat the classic version. Made with a combination of pork and beef, these meatballs are flavored with garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce, giving them a unique and delicious taste. Serve them with rice or noodles and enjoy the simple yet satisfying flavors.
For a fusion twist, try making Italian meatballs with a Vietnamese twist. Use the same fragrant herbs and spices, but add in some Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese for a flavorful and unique meatball. Serve them with your favorite pasta or as part of a meatball sub for a new take on a classic dish.
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that is typically served with a creamy gravy and lingonberry jam. To give this dish a Vietnamese twist, try using Vietnamese meatballs instead and serve them with a tangy and sweet sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey. The result will be a delicious and unique combination of flavors that is sure to please.
The Secret Ingredient
When it comes to making authentic Vietnamese meatballs, the secret ingredient is lemongrass. This fragrant herb adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the meatballs, making them stand out from traditional meatballs. Lemongrass is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and can be found in most Asian grocery stores. It is used in many dishes, from soups to marinades, and is a key ingredient in creating the distinct taste of Vietnamese food. By using lemongrass in your meatballs, you are adding an authentic touch that will elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make these delicious Vietnamese meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound ground pork
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, garlic, lemongrass, onion, egg, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
2. Slowly add in the breadcrumbs until the mixture is well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
4. In a pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully add the meatballs to the pan and fry until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
See, it's that easy to make authentic Vietnamese meatballs using one secret ingredient. These meatballs can be enjoyed as a snack, added to soups or noodle dishes, or served as a side dish. Impress your taste buds and your loved ones with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe.