Banh Mi-Style Pork Meatball Sandwich with Pickled Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory Vietnamese pork meatballs nestled in a crusty baguette with tangy pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground pork, finely chopped scallions, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: For pickled vegetables, combine 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish. Toss and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 3 finely chopped scallions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into 16 small meatballs.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Slice 4 small baguettes lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise evenly inside each baguette.
  5. Step 5: Layer cooked pork meatballs, drained pickled vegetables, 1/2 thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves inside each baguette.
  6. Step 6: Serve sandwiches immediately, allowing the contrasting flavors and textures to shine.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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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