How to make Xíu Mại (Vietnamese Meatballs)

Hey guys! 👋 Today, I’m bringing you a taste of Vietnam with a twist on a classic dish – Xíu Mại, or Vietnamese Meatballs. These flavor-packed bites are a popular street food and home-cooked dish in Vietnam, and we’re keeping it simple and speedy in the kitchen.

Unraveling the Xíu Mại Story 📜

Xíu Mại has a rich history, rooted in Vietnamese culinary traditions. These savory meatballs typically feature a mix of pork and seasonings, creating a burst of umami goodness. Traditionally, they are steamed before being bathed in a tangy tomato sauce. But today, we’re taking a shortcut without sacrificing flavor by cooking it all in the pan.

Let’s Cook! 🍳

  1. Mix & Roll: In a bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
  2. Saute Those Aromatics: Heat some oil in a pan and saute those aromatics.
  3. Sauce Magic: Add the tomato sauce and meatballs.
  4. Simmer and Infuse: Let everything simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens and the meatballs soak up all those amazing flavors.
  5. Serve with Love: Dish it up with banh mi. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if you’re feeling fancy!

Why the Quick Version? ⏰

Life gets busy, and we’re all about enjoying amazing food without spending hours in the kitchen. By adding the meatballs directly to the sauce, we’re cutting down on prep time without compromising on taste.

Time to Dig In! 🍽️

There you have it – a quick, easy, and mouthwatering take on Xíu Mại. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing your friends at your next potluck. Give it a try, and let me know how your Xíu Mại adventure turns out! 🌟

Until next time, happy cooking! 🥢✨

How to make Xíu Mại (Vietnamese Meatballs)
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How to make Xíu Mại (Vietnamese Meatballs)

Recipe by Jen H. DaoCourse: Appetizers, Beef, Pork, RecipesCuisine: asian, asia, viet, vietnameseDifficulty: easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground pork/beef mixture

  • 1 cup bread (cut into small pieces)

  • 1/4 onion (diced)

  • 2 green onion (sliced – white part only)

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tbsp fish sauce

  • 2 tsp chicken bouillon

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar

  • Sauce:

  • 2 tomatoes (quartered)

  • 1/4 onion (diced)

  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 2 red chili peppers (optional)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar

  • 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce

  • dash black pepper

  • Additional:

  • 1 french baguette (sliced & toasted)

Directions

  • Mix everything under meatballs in a bowl. Scoop mix (about 1 tbsp) and roll it in your hands to form balls.
  • In a pan on med/high heat, add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, cook for 30 secs. Then add tomatoes, cook for 3-4 mins.
  • Add tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil then add the meatballs. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  • Add chili peppers, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Stir and flip meatballs. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Serve with toasted bread.

Recipe Video

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