Vietnamese Meatballs

Vietnamese Meatballs Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful

Region / culture: Vietnam | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vietnamese meatballs, also known as "bo vien," are a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. These flavorful meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground beef, garlic, rice wine, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, egg white, sesame oil, and cornstarch. They are often served as a snack or appetizer, and can be enjoyed on their own or added to soups, noodle dishes, or rice bowls.

History

Vietnamese meatballs have been a staple in Vietnamese cuisine for many years. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. Meatballs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a popular choice in Vietnamese cooking.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
2 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp rice wine
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp sugar
1 egg white
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cornstarch

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients until they are well blended.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Thread about 4 meatballs onto each wooden skewer.
Broil or grill the meatballs until they are thoroughly cooked.

Variations

Add chopped herbs such as cilantro or mint to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
Use ground pork or chicken instead of beef for a different twist on the recipe.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the meatball mixture for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are well blended.

- Use a wooden skewer to thread the meatballs for easy grilling or broiling.

- Cook the meatballs until they are thoroughly cooked through to ensure they are safe to eat.

- Serve the meatballs with a dipping sauce or add them to a noodle soup for a delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese meatballs can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer, or added to soups, noodle dishes, or rice bowls. They can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Vietnamese meatballs can be broiled or grilled for a delicious smoky flavor. They can also be pan-fried or baked in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rice wine, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine. If you don't have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. You can also freeze the meatballs for later use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vietnamese meatballs on a platter with a side of dipping sauce and garnish with chopped herbs or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Vietnamese meatballs pair well with a side of steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or a fresh salad. They also pair well with a light and refreshing beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the meatballs until they are heated through, or reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vietnamese meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vietnamese meatballs contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vietnamese meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Vietnamese meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Vietnamese meatballs are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Vietnamese meatballs contain soy and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Vietnamese meatballs are a flavorful and protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates. They are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

Summary

Vietnamese meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether served on their own as a snack or added to soups and noodle dishes, these flavorful meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try making this recipe at home and enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Vietnamese meatballs. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mai's house for a traditional Vietnamese feast. As we sat around the table, enjoying all the delicious dishes she had prepared, Mai suddenly announced that she was going to teach me how to make her famous meatballs.

I watched in amazement as Mai deftly mixed together ground pork, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and a host of other ingredients I had never heard of before. She explained that the key to making authentic Vietnamese meatballs was to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. As she shaped the mixture into small balls and gently fried them until they were golden brown, the tantalizing aroma that filled the kitchen made my mouth water.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of Mai's Vietnamese meatballs and was instantly transported to a world of exotic spices and bold flavors. The tender meatballs practically melted in my mouth, leaving behind a lingering heat from the chili peppers that Mai had added for a spicy kick. I was hooked.

Over the years, I have made Mai's Vietnamese meatballs countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added my own twist by incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, and experimenting with different types of ground meat such as chicken and turkey. But no matter how many variations I try, Mai's original recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I continued to explore the world of Vietnamese cuisine, I learned that recipes like these meatballs were not just about food; they were a way of preserving traditions and connecting with my heritage. Each time I cooked a traditional Vietnamese dish, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my roots that I had never experienced before.

One day, as I was browsing through a local market, I stumbled upon a small Vietnamese cookbook that promised to teach me the secrets of authentic Vietnamese cooking. I eagerly purchased the book and spent hours poring over its pages, soaking in the exotic flavors and techniques that were so different from anything I had ever tried before.

One recipe in particular caught my eye – a recipe for Bun Cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs. I knew that I had to try making it myself, so I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the detailed instructions in the cookbook.

As I grilled the marinated pork and assembled the dish with the noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The flavors and textures of the dish were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – sweet, tangy, and bursting with freshness.

As I sat down to enjoy my homemade Bun Cha, I realized that my journey into the world of Vietnamese cuisine was far from over. There were still so many recipes to discover, so many techniques to master, and so many stories to uncover. And I couldn't wait to dive in and explore them all.

In the years that followed, I continued to learn and grow as a cook, experimenting with new ingredients and flavors, and sharing my creations with family and friends. And through it all, I remained grateful to Mai for introducing me to the wonders of Vietnamese meatballs and inspiring me to embark on this culinary adventure.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first learned to make Vietnamese meatballs, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and wonder at how a simple recipe can open up a whole new world of possibilities and connections. And I know that my love for cooking and sharing delicious food will continue to be a source of joy and inspiration for years to come.