Tiếng ViệtCraving a taste of Southeast Asia is exotic and comforting? Look no further than this authentic recipe for “Pork Meatballs in sweet and sour sauce in Vietnamese Style”, brought to you by AK FOOD.
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, and this dish perfectly embodies that culinary philosophy. This recipe highlights the freshest ingredients and simple techniques to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Whether you are seasoned or new to Vietnamese cuisine, this will become a new family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce
What are pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce?
This beloved meatballs in sweet and sour sauce offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors, featuring tender, savory meatballs enveloped in a tangy, subtly sweet sauce. Originating in Vietnam, this dish reflects the country’s culinary emphasis on balancing sweet, sour, salty, and savory elements in perfect harmony.
While variations exist across different culinary traditions, the Vietnamese take on this classic stands out for its unique blend of fresh herbs, pungent fish sauce, and vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of aromas and tastes that are distinctly Southeast Asian.
At its core, Vietnamese-style pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce consist of juicy pork meatballs, often blended with aromatics like onions and garlic, and bound together with breadcrumbs and egg.
The signature sweet and sour sauce is typically crafted from a base of rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce, often enhanced with tomato paste or ketchup for color and a touch of sweetness.
Aromatics
Vietnamese-style pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce recipe
Ingredients
For the meatballs
450g ground pork (higher fat content preferred)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 large egg
¼ cup chopped cilantro or mint
1 tsp sugar, salt and pepper to taste
For the sweet and sour sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 Tbsp tomato paste/ketchup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup thinly sliced bell pepper (any color)
Recipe
Prepare the pork meatballs
Combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, fish sauce, egg, cilantro or mint, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Gently mix the ingredients, careful not to overmix, to ensure tender pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce.
Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small, evenly-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Make the sweet and sour sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, tomato paste or ketchup, and cornstarch until smooth, creating the perfect base for your pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce.
Set a large skillet or wok on the stove and heat over medium.
Add the sliced carrots and bell peppers to the hot skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly softened.
Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Sweet and sour sauce
Combine meatballs and sauce
Gently add the prepared pork meatballs to the simmering sweet and sour sauce, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce.
Garnish and serve
Once the meatballs are cooked through and coated in a luscious sweet and sour glaze, remove the skillet from heat.
Garnish the Vietnamese-style pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro or mint sprigs, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve the meatballs immediately over steamed rice, rice noodles, or your favorite side dish, and enjoy the symphony of flavors in your pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce!
Pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce
Variations and customizations of Vietnamese-style pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce
The beauty of this Vietnamese-style pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to customize the ingredients and flavors to your liking, creating your signature pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce.
Spice It Up
If you crave an extra kick to awaken your palate, add a pinch of fiery chili flakes or a generous dash of sriracha to your pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce. The heat will beautifully complement the other flavors.
Sriracha
Pineapple Power
To taste the tropics, incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple into the sweet and sour sauce for your pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce. As the pineapple simmers, it will release its naturally sweet juices, adding a tangy-sweet dimension that pairs perfectly with the savory pork and tangy sauce.
Pineapple
Mushroom Magic
Elevate your pork meatballs in sweet and sour sauce with an earthy depth of flavor by sautéing sliced mushrooms alongside the carrots and bell peppers. Shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms would all lend a wonderful umami richness to the sauce.
Oyster mushrooms
More information: Meatball in mushroom sauce: A healthy comfort food recipe
Tofu Twist
For a vegetarian-friendly take on these delectable meatballs in sweet and sour sauce, substitute the ground pork with crumbled firm tofu. Ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove excess moisture, then crumble it and sauté it until lightly browned before adding it to the sauce. You’ll be amazed by the delicious flavors and satisfying texture
More information: Family-friendly meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker
Conclusion
This Pork Meatballs in sweet and sour sauce in Vietnamese Style recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure transporting your taste buds to the heart of Vietnam. The harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors will have everyone clamoring for seconds.
For more delicious and healthy recipes inspired by global cuisines, visit AK FOOD‘s website. We’re passionate about sharing our love for food and helping you create memorable meals for your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates and exclusive content!
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