Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

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

Juicy pork meatballs infused with fresh lemongrass and herbs, served with a tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce for a bright, flavorful appetizer or main dish. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends ground pork, minced garlic cloves, small, finely chopped shallot into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 1 finely minced lemongrass stalk (white part only), 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped small shallot, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20 pieces. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Fry the meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes until sugar dissolves to make nuoc cham sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve meatballs warm with nuoc cham sauce drizzled over or on the side, garnished with 1/4 cup shredded carrot and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

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.

Related recipes