Baked Lemongrass Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Vietnamese-style baked pork meatballs seasoned with lemongrass and garlic, nestled in a light baguette with pickled daikon and carrot, fresh herbs, and a creamy mayo spread. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground pork, lemongrass stalks, finely minced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 2 tbsp finely minced lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, and 1 large beaten egg. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  3. Step 3: Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned on top.
  4. Step 4: While meatballs bake, prepare pickled vegetables by placing 1 cup julienned carrots and 1 cup julienned daikon radish in a bowl. Heat 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Pour over vegetables, cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise and a pinch of black pepper for the sandwich spread.
  6. Step 6: Lightly toast the 10-inch Vietnamese baguette until crisp and warm.
  7. Step 7: Slice the baguette lengthwise and spread the mayo evenly on both sides. Layer 6 baked lemongrass pork meatballs, 1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices, 1/2 cup drained pickled vegetables, 1 small thinly sliced jalapeño, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
  8. Step 8: Close the sandwich, press gently, slice into halves or thirds, and serve immediately for a balanced, aromatic bánh mì with tender meat and bright accents.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemongrass Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Lemongrass Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemongrass Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Lemongrass Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Lemongrass Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Vegetables?

Vietnamese vietnamese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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