Pork meatballs with noodle salad

6 servings

30 minutes

Pork meatballs with noodle salad are the quintessence of Vietnamese flavors, where sweet, sour, salty, and spicy intertwine in harmonious balance. This recipe is rooted in Hanoi's traditional street snacks, where meatballs are grilled to a golden crust and fresh herbs and sweet-sour sauce enhance their rich taste. The meatballs acquire caramel notes thanks to a unique cooking method with sugar, creating a deep and rich flavor. Light and airy rice noodles are dipped in aromatic sauce while red salad and green papaya add texture and freshness. This dish is perfect for a friendly dinner or family gathering where one can leisurely enjoy each bite by dipping noodles in sauce and pairing them with crispy meatballs and fresh herbs.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 822.1
• Proteins: 37g
• Fats: 35.4g
• Carbohydrates: 87.5g

Ingredients

• Sugar: 1 tbsp
• Water: 1 tbsp
• Shallots: 500 g
• Minced pork: 1 kg
• Fish sauce: 5 tbsp
• Ground black pepper: 1 tsp
• Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp
• Brown sugar: 1 tsp
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Red chili pepper: 1 pc
• Green papaya: 50 g
• Rice noodles: 500 g
• Red salad: 1 pc
• Mixture of herbs: to taste

Cooking steps

1. We prepare the filling for meatballs. In a small saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water and cook over high heat until dark brown caramel forms. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir.

   Required ingredients:

   • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
   • Water: 1 tablespoon

2. In a large bowl, mix the pork, finely chopped shallots, 3 tbsp fish sauce, caramel, and pepper. Refrigerate the mixture for 1.5 hours.

   Required ingredients:

   • Minced pork: 1 kg
   • Shallots: 500 g
   • Fish sauce: 5 tablespoon
   • Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon

3. Prepare the sauce. Mix the remaining fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, minced garlic, chili, and chopped green papaya. Set aside.

   Required ingredients:

   • Fish sauce: 5 tablespoon
   • Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
   • Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon
   • Water: 1 tablespoon
   • Garlic: 1 clove
   • Red chili pepper: 1 piece
   • Green papaya: 50 g

4. Boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the water and rinse the cooked noodles under cold water.

   Required ingredients:

   • Rice noodles: 500 g

5. Take the minced meat out of the fridge and form 15-20 meatballs. Preheat the grill or oven. Grill/bake the meatballs for 4 minutes on each side.

   Required ingredients:

   • Minced pork: 1 kg

6. Pour the sauce into 4 plates, place the meatballs in the sauce. Chop the salad, mix it with the herbs, and distribute it on the plates.

   Required ingredients:

   • Fish sauce: 5 tablespoon
   • Red salad: 1 piece
   • Mixture of herbs:  to taste

7. Place the cooked noodles in a separate dish. Dip the noodles in the sauce and eat with meatballs and salad. Enjoy your meal!