Vietnamese Bun Cha Inspired Meatballs Meal Prep
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
40 meatballs
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Calories
71 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Bun Cha Inspired Meatballs Meal Prep
Description
Vietnamese Bun Cha Inspired Meatballs Meal Prep features seasoned ground pork blended with aromatics such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, red chili, lime zest, and cilantro, along with honey and soy sauce to add sweetness and umami. These meatballs are shaped uniformly using an ice cream scoop and can be cooked either in an Instant Pot or baked in the oven. The Instant Pot method includes browning the meatballs first and then simmering them in a flavorful liquid of chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and lime zest.
The final meatballs have a tender texture from the ground pork and a bright, aromatic flavor profile from the herbs and spices. The cooking liquid serves as a light sauce that can be drizzled over the meatballs. Oven baking offers a straightforward alternative for a crispy exterior.
This dish pairs well with julienned carrots, peanuts, and a serving of rice, quinoa, or vermicelli noodles, providing a balanced meal with fresh and crunchy accompaniments. Lime wedges add extra citrus brightness when served.
The recipe notes recommend adjusting the amount of ginger to suit personal taste, as it can be overpowering if using the maximum amount suggested. The calorie information provided pertains only to the meatballs, excluding side dishes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 900 grams ground pork
- 4-5 tbsp lemongrass grated or very finely chopped
- 3-4 tbsp ginger loosely packed (or to taste, grated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 red chili seeds removed, chopped finely, plural
- 1 lime zest
- 3 tbsp cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
Liquid for the Instant Pot Method
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- lime zest
- 1 cup chicken broth
Sauce for the Meatballs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- lime zest
- lime juice
To Serve
- 1 carrot julienned
- peanuts
- lime wedge
- rice or quinoa or vermicelli noodles
Instructions
- In a container, mix together the lemongrass, ginger, garlic, red chili, lime zest, chopped cilantro, honey, and soy sauce into the pork.
- Mix together throughly and then roll into little meatballs. I use an ice cream scoop to make the sizing consistent and easy. Set aside.
Instant Pot Method
- To make the meatballs in an Instant Pot, add some oil into the IP while on sauté mode.
- Place the meatballs into the IP and let it brown on one side before flipping it over.
- Add in the liquid (1 cup chicken broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, and lemon zest) into the IP.
- Secure the lid on the IP, turn the valve to sealing, click manual (pressure), and set the IP for 10 minutes.
- Once done, serve with your choice of sides. I choose carrots, rice, and peanuts. Use the liquid in the IP as a light sauce for the meatballs.
Oven Method
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees
- Spray down a pan with non-stick and place your meatballs onto the pan before popping it into the oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Once done, serve with your choice of sides and mix together 3 tbsp of honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, lime zest, and lime juice for the sauce.
Stove Top Method
- On medium-high heat, drizzle lightly some oil onto the pan so the meatballs don't stick.
- Add the meatballs into the pan and let it cook until they're golden and cooked through.
- Once done, serve with your choice of sides and mix together 3 tbsp of honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, lime zest, and lime juice for the sauce.
Notes
- Adjust ginger quantity based on your preference to avoid overpowering flavors; 3-4 tablespoons is less intense than 4-5 tablespoons.
- Use an ice cream scoop to make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Calorie information applies only to the meatballs; be aware that sides like rice or noodles add extra calories.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 40meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 71 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4g | |
| Calories | 71kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 124mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 89mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 25IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 4.5mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 5mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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