How to Make Beef Meatballs (Vietnamese) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Beef meatballs are a classic dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for their savory, aromatic flavors and tender, juicy texture. These meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, herbs, and spices, and are typically served as a main course or as a filling for banh mi sandwiches or rice vermicelli bowls.

One of the defining characteristics of Vietnamese beef meatballs is the use of fresh herbs and aromatics, such as lemongrass, cilantro, and garlic, which impart a bright and zesty flav...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion
  • ⅓ cup roughly chopped cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon peeled and finely chopped ginger
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
  • ½ tablespoon honey
  • 1 green chile pepper, chopped (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 Thai chile pepper, finely chopped (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Combine ground beef, onion, cilantro, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, honey, and chile pepper in a food processor and blend until mixed and minced. Transfer to a bowl. Coat fingers and palms lightly with oil and scoop tablespoons of beef mixture to create equal-sized meatballs and place them on a plate.
  • Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add meatballs; cover and cook 5 minutes. Turn meatballs over, cover pan, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes more.
  • Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, water, fish sauce, and chile pepper in a bowl and serve with meatballs. Pour over meatballs or use as a dipping sauce.
  • Nutrition

    363 cal.

    • Total Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 80mg
    • Sodium: 1467mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 25g
    • Vitamin C: 60mg
    • Calcium: 42mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 512mg