Steamed Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Pickled Daikon

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

Tender pork meatballs infused with fragrant lemongrass, served with crisp homemade pickled daikon for a refreshing contrast. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground pork, finely minced lemongrass stalks, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 finely chopped shallots, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the pork mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a heatproof plate suitable for steaming.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil over high heat. Steam the meatballs for 15 minutes until they are cooked through and tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a jar, combine 1 cup julienned daikon radish, 1/2 cup julienned carrot, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp sugar. Stir well until sugar dissolves and let sit for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot steamed pork meatballs alongside the tangy pickled daikon and carrot for a balance of savory and crisp freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Pickled Daikon 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 Steamed Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Pickled Daikon?

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 Steamed Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Pickled Daikon?

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 Steamed Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Pickled Daikon 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 Steamed Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Pickled Daikon?

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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