Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Meatball Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory pork meatballs seasoned with traditional spices nestled inside a crisp baguette with tangy pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground pork, minced garlic cloves, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 chopped green onions. Mix well until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the pork mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through to 165°F.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt until sugar dissolves. Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
  5. Step 5: Slice 1 large baguette into 4 equal pieces and cut each lengthwise without slicing all the way through.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise inside each baguette piece. Layer cooked pork meatballs, pickled vegetables, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves inside each.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately, enjoying the contrast of savory meatballs with crisp, tangy pickles in a crunchy baguette.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Meatball Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Meatball Sandwich 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 Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Meatball Sandwich 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 Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Meatball Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Meatball Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables?

Vietnamese pork 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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