Description
Bold, sticky Korean BBQ meatballs meet the fresh crunch of pickled vegetables in this epic *Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi*. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a fun party food recipe, this sandwich blends the spicy, sweet flavors of Korean cuisine with the iconic Vietnamese baguette. It’s a creative and easy recipe that makes a satisfying meal for any occasion—especially for those seeking bold food ideas, healthy snack alternatives, or exciting lunch and dinner ideas.
Ingredients
1 lb ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 egg
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon gochujang
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons gochujang
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup julienned daikon radish
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 small baguettes or 4 sandwich rolls
1/4 cup mayonnaise
fresh cilantro leaves
sliced jalapeños
sesame seeds
lime wedges
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add carrots and daikon radish. Let sit for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
2. In a large bowl, mix pork, garlic, ginger, green onions, egg, panko, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, and black pepper until just combined.
3. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet with a wire rack.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. In a saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer. Add cornstarch mixed with water and stir until thickened.
6. Toss cooked meatballs in the glaze until fully coated. Return to oven for 3 minutes if desired for caramelization.
7. Slice baguettes or rolls and toast until crisp.
8. Spread mayo on the toasted bread. Layer pickled vegetables, glazed meatballs, cilantro, jalapeños, and sesame seeds.
9. Squeeze lime over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra texture, caramelize the glazed meatballs briefly in the oven.
Use day-old baguettes for best structure and crunch.
Pickled veggies get better with time—make them the night before for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Vietnamese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, food ideas, fusion sandwich, healthy snack, Korean meatballs, Banh Mi, lunch recipes, quick dinner