Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and versatile dish that combines tender ground chicken with fragrant herbs and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer or served with rice, these meatballs bring a tasty taste of Vietnam to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, or Thai basil), chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, fish sauce, and chopped herbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can either bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or pan-fry them over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of grated onion or a splash of coconut milk to the mixture.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce for a traditional Vietnamese flavor.
- Try adding finely chopped lemongrass or chili for an extra aromatic kick.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork instead of chicken?
Yes, ground pork is a great alternative and will give the meatballs a richer flavor.
Should I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Freezing is optional. You can freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
PrintVietnamese Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and tender appetizer or main dish featuring ground chicken infused with garlic, fish sauce, and fresh herbs. Perfectly baked or pan-fried, these meatballs capture the aromatic essence of Vietnamese cuisine with a juicy, savory bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, fish sauce, chopped fresh herbs, pepper, salt, and optional onion, egg, and breadcrumbs if using. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: You can bake or pan-fry the meatballs. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden. To pan-fry, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the meatballs in batches for about 6-8 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked inside.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a serving plate. They can be enjoyed hot with dipping sauces like nuoc cham or served over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the level of herbs according to your taste preference for fresher or more intense flavor.
- Fish sauce is key to getting the authentic Vietnamese flavor, but can be reduced for a milder taste.
- Adding egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist, but can be omitted for a leaner option.
- For an even healthier preparation, bake instead of frying.
- Serve with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant appetizer.
Keywords: Vietnamese chicken meatballs, Vietnamese appetizer, chicken meatballs recipe, baked chicken meatballs, savory meatballs, herb meatballs
