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Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 large sandwiches

Description

Craving a sandwich that delivers both comfort and excitement? This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is a flavor-packed fusion of juicy, glazed meatballs with spicy gochujang BBQ sauce, crunchy pickled veggies, creamy mayo, and fresh herbs—all tucked into a crispy baguette. Perfect as a quick dinner, satisfying lunch, or party-worthy handheld, it’s one of those easy recipes that checks all the boxes: sweet, spicy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re hunting for unique food ideas, new dinner ideas, or just an easy recipe to shake things up, this dish is sure to be a standout. Great for meal prep, weeknight meals, or weekend cravings.


Ingredients

400g ground pork or beef

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon gochujang

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce (for glaze)

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium carrot, julienned

1/2 daikon radish, julienned

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 small baguette or 2 hoagie rolls

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)


Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix carrots and daikon with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let sit to pickle while preparing the rest.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Form into small meatballs.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides, for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.

4. Remove meatballs and reduce heat to medium. Add gochujang, soy sauce (for glaze), brown sugar, and water. Stir and let it bubble and thicken.

5. Return meatballs to pan and toss to coat them in the thickened glaze. Remove from heat.

6. Lightly toast baguette or hoagie rolls until crisp outside.

7. Spread mayo on both sides of the toasted bread. Layer in pickled veggies, glazed meatballs, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

8. Serve warm, slice in half if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Let the glaze thicken before adding meatballs to ensure it sticks well.

Use light, airy bread to mimic authentic banh mi texture.

Pickled veggies can be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Pan-fried
  • Cuisine: Korean-Vietnamese Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Korean BBQ, Banh Mi, easy dinner, fusion food, quick meal, sandwich ideas, spicy sandwich