Description
This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is a vibrant fusion sandwich combining savory, tender meatballs glazed in hoisin sauce with crisp pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, all nestled in a toasted baguette. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that balances sweet, umami, spicy, and tangy flavors with a delightful textural contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground pork or beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
Pickled Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots and daikon or coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Sandwich Assembly
- 2 baguettes, cut and split lengthwise
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork or beef with minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently and just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs using about a tablespoon of mixture per ball for even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Glaze Meatballs: Pour hoisin sauce into the skillet with the cooked meatballs and toss to coat evenly. Allow the sauce to caramelize for 1 to 2 minutes, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Quick-Pickle Vegetables: In a small bowl, mix the shredded carrots and daikon or coleslaw mix with rice vinegar. Let this sit for 10 to 15 minutes to develop a light pickled flavor and crisp texture.
- Toast Baguettes: Lightly toast the baguettes either in the oven or on a skillet until they are golden and crisp to add a satisfying crunch.
- Optional Mayo Spread: If desired, spread mayonnaise on the inside of each toasted baguette for added creaminess.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Fill the baguettes with the quick-pickled vegetables, hoisin-glazed meatballs, fresh cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices to add fresh, spicy, and herbal notes.
- Serve: Serve the banh mi immediately while the bread is warm and crisp for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground beef or a mixture of both depending on your preference.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level of the sandwich.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or skip it entirely.
- Pickling the veggies ahead of time enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh baguettes for optimal texture and taste.
