Ingredients

1 lb ground pork
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 medium egg , beaten lightly
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 Thai red chili peppers , seeded and finely minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 pinches kosher salt
3/4 cup pickled carrot , diced ( Do Chua )
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cucumber
Banh Mi Meatballs are a fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. They are a combination of classic American meatballs and classic Vietnamese flavors found in Banh Mi sandwiches. This dish is a perfect way to introduce yourself to these flavors if you've never tried them before. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful and go well with a side of sliced cucumber. The recipe can be personalized to your liking by changing the heat level, adding more vegetables or adding different spices. They are great as a main dish or served alongside noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.In a mixing bowl, add the ground pork, mayonnaise, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, minced chili peppers, soy sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly until combined.
2.Add in the diced pickled carrot and fold it into the pork mixture.
3.Shape the meat mixture into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
4.Roll them in flour and shake them well to remove any excess.
5.In a non-stick pan, heat the canola oil and sesame oil on medium-high heat.
6.Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes or until browned on all sides, making sure they are cooked all the way through.
7.Slice the cucumber in thin round slices and serve as a side.

PROS

These Banh Mi Meatballs are a delicious and creative take on standard meatballs.
The chili peppers add a spicy kick that is well-balanced with the sweetness and tanginess of the pickled carrots.
They are easy to make and can be cooked quickly, making them perfect for a weekday dinner.

CONS

The meatballs are made with ground pork which can be high in fat and calories.
Additionally, the recipe uses a lot of breadcrumbs which can add unnecessary carbohydrates.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite being made with pork, these Banh Mi Meatballs have some surprising nutritional benefits. Pork is a great source of protein, B-vitamins, and iron and can aid in muscle growth, brain function, and red blood cell formation. The chili peppers contain capsaicin which has been shown to reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and potentially alleviate pain. The pickled carrot contains probiotics which are good for digestive health and carotenoids which can improve vision and immunity.

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