Easy Banh Mi Sandwiches {Vietnamese Meatball Sub}
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Banh Mi Sandwiches {Vietnamese Meatball Sub}
Description
The sandwich centers on meatballs made from ground pork mixed with fresh basil, minced garlic, green onions, fish sauce, sriracha, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. These meatballs are browned in oil on all sides before baking in the oven to finish cooking. The relish consists of coarsely grated carrot and cucumber tossed with a sweet and tangy mixture of sugar, rice vinegar, salt, and sesame oil, providing a crunchy, pickled freshness that contrasts the rich meat.
The spicy sauce blends mayonnaise, sriracha (or sweet Thai chili sauce), and finely chopped green onions, delivering a creamy heat that complements the meatballs and relish. Fresh cilantro on the sandwiches adds herbal brightness. Sandwiches are assembled on crusty French baguettes or soft hoagie buns. The ingredients create a layered experience of textures and flavors true to Banh Mi inspired sandwiches.
Adjusting the spicy sauce to suit heat preferences is recommended. Fish sauce enhances the umami quality although alternatives like soy sauce and salt can be used. The relish and sauce can be prepared ahead for convenience. Using a crusty baguette adds authenticity but softer buns also work well for family-friendly versions.
Ingredients
Spicy Sauce:
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce or sweet Thai chili sauce, see note
- 1 green onion white and green parts finely chopped
Relish:
- 2 carrot large, coarsely grated or cut into thin matchsticks (about 1/2 cup
- 1 cucumber English, coarsely grated or cut into thin matchsticks (about 1/2 cup
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground pork or ground turkey or combination
- ¼ cup basil chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 green onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce see note
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce or sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil or vegetable or coconut oil, for browning
Sandwiches:
- 4 to 6 to 6 baguette 6-inch, or hoagie buns
- cilantro bunch, fresh
Instructions
- For the sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, green onions and sriracha. Cover and refrigerate. This can be made several days in advance.
- For the relish, toss together the carrots and cucumber. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, salt and sesame oil. Pour over the vegetables. Cover and refrigerate. The relish can be made a day or so in advance.
- For the meatballs, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork (or turkey), basil, garlic, green onions, fish sauce, hot sauce, sugar, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Scoop the mixture into 1- to 2-inch meatballs. Heat the sesame oil (or other oil, if using) in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot and rippling. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a foil-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining meatballs (adding additional oil if necessary). Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven (I like to place the cooked meatballs one by one on a layer of paper towels to absorb any excess grease).
- To assemble the sandwiches, slice the buns or baguettes in half. Spread the dressing on the top half of the bread. Layer cilantro to taste on the bottom half. Place 3 or so meatballs (will depend on how big you made them) on top of the cilantro. Drain the relish and place a heaping spoonful on top of the meatballs. Press on the sandwich top and devour.
Notes
- Use sriracha in the sauce for noticeable heat; sweet Thai chili sauce offers milder spice with sweetness.
- Fish sauce adds key flavor but can be substituted with soy sauce and extra salt if preferred.
- Traditional crusty baguettes suit the sandwich best, but soft hoagie buns make it approachable for kids.
- Prepare relish and sauce in advance to save time during assembly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 811kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 54g | 83% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 119mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1266mg | 53% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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