Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

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Fusion food lovers, rejoice—this Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is everything you want in a sandwich: bold, juicy, sweet, tangy, and full of texture. It’s where the irresistible flavor of Korean BBQ meets the crisp freshness of a Vietnamese banh mi, packed into a crusty baguette that holds it all together beautifully.

With sticky-sweet glazed meatballs, crunchy pickled vegetables, creamy mayo, fresh herbs, and a kick of heat from jalapeños, every bite delivers a balanced punch. This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something next-level for lunch, this banh mi will become a repeat favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

• Flavor explosion: Sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
• Crunch and freshness: Pickled carrots, cucumbers, and fresh cilantro bring a lively texture contrast.
• Hearty and filling: Perfect as a main course that leaves you satisfied.
• Meal prep-friendly: Make the meatballs ahead and assemble when ready.
• Great for entertaining: A unique, crowd-pleasing sandwich that feels elevated yet approachable.

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What Kind of Baguette Should I Use?

Look for a baguette that has a crispy exterior and a soft, airy inside—French-style works great, or even a Vietnamese-style roll if available. The bread should be firm enough to hold the saucy meatballs and toppings without falling apart. If you’re prepping this ahead of time, consider toasting the baguette just before serving to bring back that perfect crunch.

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Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Each ingredient here plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this sandwich unforgettable.

• Ground beef or pork – The base for juicy meatballs with a rich, savory profile.
• Garlic and ginger – These aromatics infuse the meatballs with authentic Korean flavor.
• Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami to the meat mixture.
• Brown sugar – Balances the savory with a hint of sweetness.
• Gochujang – A spicy Korean chili paste that brings depth and heat.
• Breadcrumbs and egg – Help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
• Carrots and daikon radish – Classic pickled veggies for crunch and brightness.
• Rice vinegar and sugar – Used to pickle the vegetables quickly and add a tangy kick.
• Cucumber slices – For cooling crunch.
• Fresh cilantro – Brings herbal freshness that balances the meatiness.
• Jalapeño slices – Adds just the right amount of heat.
• Mayonnaise – Creamy contrast to the other bold elements.
• Crusty baguette – Holds everything together with the perfect crunch-to-softness ratio.

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How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Step 1: Make the Pickled Veggies

In a bowl, combine julienned carrots and daikon radish with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to pickle while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small meatballs. Pan-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through. For extra glaze, brush with additional gochujang sauce during the last few minutes.

Step 4: Toast the Baguette

Slice your baguette and lightly toast it for extra crunch. This step is optional but highly recommended.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread mayo on the baguette, layer with pickled veggies, cucumber slices, and meatballs. Drizzle extra sauce if desired. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños.

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Serving and Storing Your Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

This hearty sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a savory brunch. It feeds about 4 people generously, depending on the size of your baguette and how many meatballs you add per serving.

If you’re making it ahead of time, store the components separately. The pickled vegetables can be made 2–3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Meatballs can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the baguette and vegetables.

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What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi?

Pickled Cucumber Salad

Light and refreshing, this helps balance the bold flavors of the sandwich.

Sweet Potato Fries

Oven-baked or air-fried sweet potato fries are a fun and colorful side.

Kimchi

A traditional Korean fermented side dish that adds tang and spice.

Iced Jasmine Tea

Mild and floral, jasmine tea is a great palate cleanser between bites.

Spicy Edamame

Tossed with chili oil and garlic, they’re a great protein-packed snack.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Loaded with herbs and vegetables, they offer a fresh counterpoint to the rich meatballs.

Sesame Slaw

Cabbage slaw dressed with sesame oil and vinegar for a crunchy side dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before assembling your banh mi.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or tofu meatballs. Just make sure to use the same seasoning for that Korean BBQ flavor.

Can I use a different type of bread?

While a crusty baguette is traditional, you can use hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or even a sturdy pita if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the fillings.

How spicy is this sandwich?

The heat level is customizable. Gochujang adds mild heat, and jalapeños can be adjusted or left out. For more fire, add extra chili flakes or sriracha.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest sandwich board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with pork or beef? Did you load it with extra jalapeños or keep it mild?

I love seeing your spins on these dishes. Share your twists, tips, or questions—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Find more delicious inspiration on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally.

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Conclusion

Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is more than a sandwich; it’s a bite into two bold culinary worlds. With juicy meatballs, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs wrapped in crusty bread, this fusion dish is as satisfying as it is exciting. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a creative way to enjoy global flavors in one beautiful bite.

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