Traditional Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Carrot and Daikon

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

A classic Vietnamese sandwich combining savory pork meatballs, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy mayo inside a light baguette. This vietnamese ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground pork, minced garlic, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined and form into 12 small meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add pork meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Prepare quick pickles by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Add 1 cup each of julienned daikon radish and carrots and let sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slice baguettes lengthwise and spread 2 tbsp mayonnaise inside each.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sandwiches by layering pork meatballs, pickled vegetables, 1/2 sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves inside each baguette. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Carrot and Daikon take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 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 Traditional Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Carrot and 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 Traditional Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Carrot and 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 Traditional Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Carrot and 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 Traditional Pork Meatball Bánh Mì with Pickled Carrot and Daikon?

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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