Banh Mi Meatballs (Banh Mi Xiu Mai)

A bowl of banh mi xiu mai

Imagine biting into a warm, crispy Vietnamese baguette filled with succulent, springy meatballs swimming in savory tomato sauce – that’s Banh Mi Meatballs (Banh Mi Xiu Mai) for you. This sandwich transforms ordinary meatballs into an extraordinary street food experience.

Banh mi meatball recipe

Banh mi meatball (Banh mi xiu mai) is a popular Vietnamese dish that features flavorful meatballs served with crusty bread. This dish is particularly associated with the city of Da Lat, where it has become a beloved breakfast option.

Banh mi meatballs bowl, garnished with fresh herbs
Banh mi meatballs bowl

This is one of many popular types of banh mi. This Vietnamese sandwich is one of the best street foods in the world. Wherever I go in Vietnam, the vibrant banh mi carts and stands never fail to catch my eye.

With the banh mi meatballs, you can either dip the bread into the sauce or create a sandwich by stuffing the meatballs and fresh herbs (like cilantro and green onions) into the bread. It’s common to accompany this dish with pickled vegetables or fresh cucumber slices for added crunch and flavor.

Here’s how to make the banh mi meatballs in tomato sauce:

A bowl of banh mi xiu mai

Banh Mi Meatball with Tomato sauce

Tender, aromatic meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce, then nestled in a crusty French baguette with traditional banh mi toppings like pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and spicy chilis.
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Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 lb tomato diced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 150 g onion sliced
  • 5 bulbs shallot minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Baguette or banh mi rolls
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, half of minced garlic and shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and marinate it for 15 minutes
  • In a large skillet or pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallot and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes and onion to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer. You can add more water if needed
  • Shape the mixture in step 1 into small meatballs.
  • Gently place the meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the banh mi rolls by cutting them into slices.
  • Ladle the tomato sauce and meatballs into a bowl and top it with cilantro and chopped green onions. Now you can enjoy the dish by dipping banh mi slices into the sauce and eating it along with meatballs.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword authentic Vietnamese food, meatball recipe, quick breakfast, Vietnamese sandwich
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Variations

1. Alternative Fillings

You can substitute the pork with ground beef or poultry for different flavor profiles. Additionally, incorporating jicama or mushrooms into the meat mixture adds texture and nutrition

2. Spicy and Sweet Twist: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding jalapeños or sriracha to the sandwich can elevate the flavor. 

3. Vegan Banh Mi Meatballs: For a plant-based alternative, replace meat with tofu or tempeh, seasoned similarly to the traditional recipe. Use vegan fish sauce and ensure that all sauces are plant-based

Pairing suggestions

1. Side Dishes

  • Pickled Vegetables: Traditional pickled daikon and carrots add a refreshing crunch and acidity that balances the richness of the meatballs.
  • Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of cilantro, mint, or Thai basil can be served on the side for added flavor.
  • Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers dressed with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt can provide a light, crisp contrast.

2. Beverages

  • Vietnamese Iced Coffee: The strong coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk complements the savory flavors of the meatballs.
  • Soda or Sparkling Water: For a non-caffeinated option, a light soda or sparkling water can be refreshing.
  • Herbal Tea: A refreshing herbal tea, such as jasmine or lemongrass, can cleanse the palate.

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