Vietnamese Mini Meatball Subs

Vietnamese Mini Meatball Subs

  • 10-14

  • 45 Min

Ingredients

•2 lbs ground pork (regular, not lean)
•1–2 cans water chestnuts, diced (use 2 cans for extra crunch)
•2 tsp chicken bouillon
•1 egg
•1 medium onion, finely chopped and sautéed
•4 tsp sugar
•2 tsp tapioca starch or cornstarch
•4 tbsp fish sauce
•2 tsp garlic powder
•3-4 tsp salt
•1 cup chopped cilantro stems (or ½ cup dried cilantro)
•Cracked black pepper, to taste
•6-7 tomatoes, diced (or 1½ cans diced tomatoes)
•1 medium onion, finely chopped
•1½ cups water
•4 tbsp fish sauce
•2 tsp chicken bouillon
•6 tsp sugar
•Salt, to taste
•Cornstarch slurry (4 tsp tapioca or cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp warm water)
•12-18 minibrioche buns (football-shaped if possible)
•Mayonnaise or aioli, for spreading
•Pickled carrots and daikon, optional
•Fresh cilantro leaves
•Sliced red chilies, for garnish

Game-Day Vietnamese Mini Meatball Subs: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Snack

When it comes to game-day snacks, nothing beats a recipe that's both flavorful and easy to grab. Enter Vietnamese Mini Meatball Subs—a bite-sized take on the classic bánh mì, with tender, juicy meatballs, a savory tomato-based sauce, and fresh, zesty toppings. These mini subs are sure to be the MVP of your game-day spread!

Why You'll Love These Mini Subs

  1. Bursting with Flavor: The meatballs are packed with aromatic Vietnamese-inspired seasonings like fish sauce, garlic, and cilantro stems.
  2. Easy to Eat: Perfectly sized for game-day snacking, these mini subs are a no-fuss crowd favorite.
  3. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your guests' preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped water chestnuts, chicken bouillon, egg, sautéed onion, sugar, tapioca starch, fish sauce, garlic powder, salt, cilantro stems, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Test the seasoning by frying a small portion of the mixture in a skillet. Adjust the salt, sugar, or fish sauce as needed. Form the mixture into 24-36 small meatballs, about 1-1½ inches in diameter.

2. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Sear the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion until softened. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to break down. Stir in water, fish sauce, chicken bouillon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer.

Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry and adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Subs:
Slice the brioche buns and spread a layer of mayonnaise or aioli inside. Add two meatballs to each bun, spooning a bit of the sauce on top. Garnish with pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced red chilies.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the mini subs on a platter and serve warm. Watch as these delicious bites disappear in no time!

Tips for Success

    • Prep Ahead: Form and sear the meatballs the day before to save time. Simply reheat and simmer in the sauce on game day.
    • Spice It Up: Add a touch of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mayo for an extra kick.
    • Presentation Matters: Use football-shaped brioche buns for a fun, game-day theme.

Why These Mini Subs Are a Game-Changer

These Vietnamese-inspired mini subs combine the comfort of a meatball sub with the vibrant, fresh flavors of a bánh mì. The result? A unique and irresistible snack that will have your guests raving long after the final whistle.

Make these Game-Day Vietnamese Mini Meatball Subs your go-to snack for game-day celebrations, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing bite. With their bold flavors and fun size, they’re destined to be a hit!

Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on social media! We’d love to see your game-day creations.

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Vietnamese Mini Meatball Subs