Description
Craving a bold, satisfying sandwich? This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi blends Korean flavors with Vietnamese tradition to create the ultimate fusion. Juicy gochujang-glazed meatballs are tucked into a crispy baguette with creamy mayo, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeños. It’s the perfect quick lunch, easy dinner, or weekend food idea when you’re in the mood for something vibrant, savory, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re exploring breakfast ideas with leftovers or in need of a fun dinner recipe, this is the flavor bomb you’ve been looking for.
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork or beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons gochujang (for glaze)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for glaze)
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons water
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded daikon radish
1 cup rice vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 baguette or 2 hoagie rolls
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
1 handful fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork or beef, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, and brown sugar. Mix until just combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs until browned and fully cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
4. In the skillet, reduce heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, honey, and water. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes, coating the meatballs in glaze.
5. Meanwhile, quick-pickle the carrots and daikon in rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
6. Lightly toast the baguette or rolls until crisp on the outside.
7. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread.
8. Layer with pickled vegetables, glazed meatballs, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro.
9. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if using.
10. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
Use a light, crispy baguette for authentic texture and balance.
Make extra meatballs—they freeze well and are great for quick meals.
Adjust spice level by reducing gochujang or omitting jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Skillet or oven
- Cuisine: Korean-Vietnamese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, banh mi, meatball sandwich, quick lunch, Korean BBQ, food ideas, fusion recipes