Zingy Vietnamese Meatball Salad Recipe: A Fresh Summer Delight

Crisp greens and savory Vietnamese meatball salad promise a delightful culinary adventure that awakens your taste buds.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside juicy protein spheres, creating a harmony of flavors.

Lightweight and refreshing, this dish brings vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine right to your plate.

Zesty lime and mint complement the tender meat, offering a perfect balance of textures.

Each bite transports you to bustling street markets in hanoi.

Delicate vegetables provide a cool counterpoint to the robust, spiced meatballs.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple yet bursting with authentic regional character.

Prepare to savor a meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold, punchy seasonings.

Salad Tips for Vietnamese Meatball Bowls

• Finely mince lemongrass and ginger to distribute their aromatic flavors evenly throughout the meatballs for maximum taste.
• Handle the ground pork gently when mixing and shaping to keep the meat tender and prevent overworking, which can make them dense and chewy.
• Use medium-high heat and turn meatballs regularly to ensure even browning and prevent burning while maintaining a juicy interior.
• Mix fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil to add layers of brightness and authentic Vietnamese flavor to the salad.
• Adjust nuoc cham dressing by adding more honey for sweetness or extra chili for heat, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.

Vietnamese Meatball Salad Storage

• Store leftover meatballs and salad separately in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Keep dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable texture. Discard salad if it becomes wilted or watery.
• Always check meatballs reach 145°F internal temperature when reheating. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

Flavor Combos for Vietnamese Meatball Salad

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the meatballs' bold flavors and balance the salad's tangy dressing.
• Refresh with Cocktail: Mix a Vietnamese-inspired mojito using white rum, mint, lime juice, and a touch of lemongrass for a zesty, harmonizing drink.
• Match Beer Choice: Opt for a light, citrusy wheat beer or a clean pilsner that cuts through the richness of the pork meatballs while enhancing the herbs.
• Boost Non-Alcoholic Option: Create a ginger-lime sparkling water with fresh mint leaves, providing a bright, cleansing accompaniment that mirrors the salad's vibrant profile.

Vietnamese Meatball Salad Fresh Options

• Vegetarian Meatball Salad: Replace ground pork with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative, using same seasoning blend for authentic Vietnamese flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with tamari and ensure fish sauce is gluten-free certified, maintaining original recipe's zesty taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute cabbage mix with cauliflower rice or mixed greens, reduce honey in dressing for fewer carbohydrates while keeping vibrant Vietnamese essence.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add extra fresh chili peppers to meatball mixture and increase chili content in dressing for a more intense heat experience.

FAQs

• What makes Vietnamese meatballs different from other meatballs?

Vietnamese meatballs have unique flavor profiles with lemongrass, fish sauce, and ginger that create a distinctive Southeast Asian taste compared to traditional Western meatballs.

• Are these meatballs spicy?

The meatballs themselves are not inherently spicy, but the optional chili in the dressing can add heat. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili.

• Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?

Ground chicken or turkey can be excellent substitutes for ground pork while maintaining similar texture and absorption of Vietnamese seasonings.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. A regular skillet, mixing bowls, and basic kitchen utensils are sufficient to prepare this Vietnamese meatball salad.

Vietnamese Meatball Salad That’s Light but Filling

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this Vietnamese Meatball Salad in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavors without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with vibrant herbs, zesty dressing, and aromatic meatballs, this dish delivers a punch of Vietnamese-inspired taste that will excite your taste buds with every bite.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Meal: Lean ground pork meatballs combined with fresh vegetables create a nutritious, low-carb option that satisfies hunger while keeping meals light and refreshing.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit different dietary preferences and family members' tastes.

Elements Behind a Refreshing Meatball Salad

• Ground Pork: Lean meat packed with flavor, perfect for juicy Vietnamese-style meatballs. Choose fresh, high-quality ground pork with some fat content for better texture.

• Lemongrass, Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant ingredients that add depth and traditional Vietnamese flavor profile. Fresh ingredients provide the best taste and aroma.
• Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce: Essential umami-rich condiments that bring saltiness and complexity to the meatballs. Choose high-quality, authentic brands.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization. Balances the savory elements of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat and enhances overall seasoning.

• Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables that create a fresh, crunchy base for the salad. Choose fresh, seasonal produce for best results.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds brightness and additional layer of flavor. Herbs like mint, cilantro, or Thai basil work well.
• Lime Juice, Honey, Chili: Key ingredients for nuoc cham dressing that provide tangy, sweet, and spicy notes. Use fresh lime and adjust chili to preferred heat level.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking meatballs, ensures even browning and prevents sticking. Choose a neutral oil with high smoke point.
• Water: Helps to balance and thin out the dressing for proper consistency.

Meatball Salad Vietnamese Prep Guide

Step 1: Create Flavorful Meatball Mixture

• Ground pork
• Finely chopped lemongrass
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ground black pepper

Blend everything gently, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Shape the mixture into bite-sized round meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear Meatballs

Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.

When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the meatballs.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning.

The meatballs should develop a beautiful golden crust and cook completely through.

Step 3: Craft Fresh Salad Base

• Thinly shredded green cabbage
• Julienned carrots
• Sliced cucumber
• Chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil

Toss the ingredients to create a vibrant, crisp salad foundation.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Honey
• Crushed garlic
• Finely chopped chili
• Water

Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the dressing looks smooth.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Gently place the sizzling meatballs on top of the prepared salad.

Drizzle the nuoc cham dressing over the entire dish.

Lightly toss to ensure every bite is coated with the tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Vietnamese Meatball Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Satisfy your culinary wanderlust with vietnamese meatball salad, a zesty fusion of fresh herbs and succulent protein. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a refreshing melody that dances across palates, inviting you to savor each vibrant bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground pork or chicken
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely sliced (adjust for spice level)

Salad and Herbs:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 3 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Craft a savory mixture by blending ground pork with aromatic lemongrass, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and freshly cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Delicately fold the ingredients together, avoiding overworking the meat, and shape into petite, uniform meatballs approximately one inch in diameter.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing the meatballs.
4. Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan, rotating periodically to ensure even caramelization and thorough cooking, approximately 8-10 minutes until they develop a rich golden exterior and are completely cooked through.
5. Prepare a vibrant salad base by combining crisp shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, and a generous handful of fresh fragrant herbs.
6. Create a harmonious dressing by whisking together fish sauce, zesty lime juice, golden honey, crushed garlic, finely chopped chili, and a splash of water until the ingredients meld into a balanced, tangy sauce.
7. Artfully arrange the perfectly cooked meatballs atop the crisp vegetable medley.
8. Drizzle the nuoc cham dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated with the aromatic sauce.

Notes

• Select fatty ground pork with around 20% fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Gently mix meatball ingredients to prevent tough, dense texture; overmixing can make the meat compact and chewy.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to check internal meatball temperature, ensuring they reach 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Swap ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option that maintains similar Vietnamese flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg