Description
This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is the ultimate fusion sandwich—juicy, caramelized meatballs coated in a sticky hoisin glaze, tucked inside a toasted baguette with tangy pickled veggies, spicy jalapeños, and fresh herbs. It’s sweet, savory, spicy, and crunchy all at once—a flavor-packed handheld meal perfect for dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
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
1 cup shredded carrots and daikon or coleslaw mix
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for pickling veggies)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 baguettes, cut and split lengthwise
Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork or beef, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix just until combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs using about a tablespoon per ball.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Add hoisin sauce to the skillet and toss the cooked meatballs to coat. Let the sauce caramelize for 1–2 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix carrots and daikon or slaw with rice vinegar. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to quick-pickle.
6. Lightly toast baguettes in the oven or on a skillet until golden and crisp.
7. Optional: Spread mayo on the inside of each baguette.
8. Fill with pickled veggies, glazed meatballs, cilantro, and jalapeño slices.
9. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture—this keeps the meatballs tender.
If using store-bought slaw mix, add a splash of vinegar to brighten it up.
For meal prep, make the meatballs and veggies in advance and assemble fresh before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Korean banh mi, fusion sandwich, meatball sandwich