Bánh Mì Xíu Mại Recipe

Let’s explore the intricacies of the bánh mì xíu mại (Vietnamese meatball sandwich)! My recipe will show you how to whip up tender meatballs in detail and put them all together to make the perfect sandwich.

They are not only easy to make but also a tasty treat that you can enjoy anytime, from breakfast to dinner. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this flavor-packed Vietnamese dish.

Bánh Mì Xíu Mại – A Beloved Breakfast Dish in Vietnam

Bánh mì xíu mại features the rich, savory meatballs with the slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce, all tucked into a warm, crunchy baguette. The combination was absolutely heavenly.

Xíu mại itself is a versatile dish, too – you can enjoy it nestled in a baguette for a hearty on-the-go breakfast or served alongside steamed white rice for a comforting home-cooked meal.

From the bustling street food stalls of Vietnam to the family dinner tables, bánh mì xíu mại is a beloved staple. It’s a reflection of Vietnamese culture – generous, vibrant, and soulful. Each bite takes me back to that lively street corner, bringing a rush of nostalgia.

Which Kitchen Tools Needed to Make Bánh Mì Xíu Mại?

Here are basic tools to prepare Vietnamese sandwiches with meatballs.

What Are Bánh Mì Xíu Mại’s Ingredients?

Let’s take a look at these components to prepare your bánh mì xíu mại at home.

Spices For the Meatballs

Spices For the Sauce

What Are the Steps for Recreating Bánh Mì Xíu Mại?

Follow 7 steps below, and you can whip up bánh mì xíu mại perfectly with ease.

Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients

Soak the shiitake and wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 15 – 20 minutes until they soften, then chop finely.

Finely chop the other ingredients: tomatoes, onions, carrots, jicama, shallots, garlic, green onions, and cilantro.

Boil the quail eggs, peel them, and set aside.

Step 2: Saute The Spices

Saute the shallots, chopped garlic, and onions until they become fragrant. Be careful not to overcook them, as it can result in a burnt smell that takes away from their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Season The Meat

Mix the ground meat with jicama, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, half of the scallions and cilantro, half of the onions, garlic, and shallots.

Next, season the mixture with:

Mix well with your hands to combine all the ingredients. Don’t forget to put on your food prep gloves.

Step 4: Form The Meatballs

Take a portion of the meat mixture that’s slightly larger than a quail egg and shape it into a round ball. Press the meat into your palm to flatten it, place a quail egg on top, and carefully form the meat around the egg.

Repeat these steps with the remaining meat and quail eggs, placing each finished meatball on a steaming tray.

Step 5: Steam The Meatballs

Bring a pot of water to a boil, then place the tray of meatballs into it. You can utilize a pair of chopsticks to support an additional plate of meatballs on top for steaming. Steam everything for about 25 minutes over medium heat.

Step 6: Make The Tomato Sauce

While the meatballs are near the end of their cooking time, start on the tomato sauce. Heat the remaining garlic, shallots, and onions in a pan. Add the tomatoes, and stir well.

Pour in 10 fluid ounces of water and season the sauce with ½ tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon each of sugar and salt, 1 tablespoon each of oyster sauce, chili sauce, and ketchup.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.

Cover the pan. Simmer the tomatoes over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes until they’re soft.

Once they’re cooked, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 5 tablespoons of water in a separate bowl. Gradually pour this slurry into the pan to thicken the sauce.

Step 7: Add The Meatballs To The Tomato Sauce

Finally, add the remaining scallions and cilantro, the meatballs, and the liquid from the steaming tray to the pan.

Stir gently to ensure the meatballs are evenly distributed. Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Then, remove the pan from the heat.

How To Serve Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

For the first approach, serve the steamed meatballs on a plate or in a bowl. Enhance their flavor with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, cilantro, freshly ground pepper, and a dollop of chili sauce.

In this form, they make an excellent companion to steamed rice or bread. Consider the option of adding Vietnamese pickled vegetables (đồ chua), fresh salad, and cucumber slices for a complete Vietnamese meal.

For a quick, satisfying on-the-go breakfast, consider transforming the meatballs into a filling for a bánh mì. Just nestle the meatballs and a generous helping of tomato sauce inside a fresh baguette.

You can layer pickled vegetables, fresh salad leaves, and cucumber slices at the bottom of the sandwich and top it off with green onions, cilantro, ground pepper, and chili sauce for an extra flavor punch.

This results in a convenient handheld breakfast that’s hearty, balanced, and full of authentic Vietnamese flavors.

Tips And Tricks to Make Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

Don’t skip out on these tips to ensure your sandwich with meatballs is tastier.

Proper Ways To Store Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

This section will be divided into 2 parts: storing meatballs and storing the bread.

Storing The Meatballs

Allow the meatballs to cool completely. Once they are at room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container along with some of the sauce to keep them moist. Stored this way, they will last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

If you’d like to store them longer, you can freeze the meatballs. Once frozen, they should be good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Storing The Banh Mi

It’s best to consume the bread on the same day as it tends to harden and lose its freshness. If you have leftover bread, you can store it in a bread box or a cloth bag at room temperature. It should last for about 2 days.

To refresh the day-old bread, sprinkle it with some water and warm it up in the oven for a few minutes.

Enjoy Bánh Mì Xíu Mại To The Last Bite!

This Vietnamese wonder is more than just a sandwich; it is a marvel that combines the simplest ingredients and turns them into an irresistible meal. Moreover, although it’s usually served as breakfast, you can have it any time of the day!

Don’t forget to hit the like button and share this flavorful journey with others who might be intrigued by the tale of bánh mì xíu mại. If you’ve tasted this sandwich, I’m eager to know your thoughts. Feel free to leave your experiences and feedback in the comments!