Name: Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork or ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce (gochujang-based or store-bought); 1/2 cup carrots, julienned; 1/2 cup daikon radish, julienned; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 large baguette; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

Bold, spicy, tangy, and satisfyingly savory—the Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi is a sandwich that takes no shortcuts on flavor. Picture this: juicy, tender meatballs glazed in sticky Korean BBQ sauce, nestled in a crusty baguette alongside crisp pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a creamy slather of mayo. It’s a beautiful mashup of East meets West, combining the deep umami of Korean cuisine with the classic crunch and contrast of a Vietnamese banh mi.

This fusion sandwich is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal-prep lunches. The contrast of textures—soft meatballs, crunchy vegetables, chewy bread—paired with the explosive flavor profile makes each bite better than the last. Whether you’re a fan of Korean flavors, banh mi sandwiches, or simply crave something new and delicious, this recipe is bound to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Big Flavors, Simple Prep: You get the complexity of Korean BBQ and the balance of banh mi without the hours-long process.
Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add your favorite pickles.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Meatballs and pickled veggies can be prepped in advance.
Street Food Vibes at Home: It feels gourmet but is totally weeknight doable.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Mixing Bowls: For combining meatball ingredients and tossing your quick-pickled vegetables.
Baking Sheet or Skillet: Choose based on how you like your meatballs—baked for easy cleanup, or pan-fried for extra browning.
Microplane or Grater: Crucial for finely grating garlic and ginger into your meatball mix.
Mandoline or Sharp Knife: To get those veggies nice and thin for the banh mi crunch.
Small Saucepan: Needed to warm your Korean BBQ glaze for optimal cling on the meatballs.
Toaster Oven or Oven: For getting your baguette perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside.

These tools don’t just make life easier—they guarantee the textures and flavors you want in a high-quality banh mi. A crunchy baguette, caramelized meatballs, and tangy veggies all depend on using the right gear.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Ground Pork or Ground Beef – The base of the meatballs, juicy and tender with a good fat content for flavor.

Garlic and Ginger – These aromatic powerhouses bring boldness and authenticity to the Korean-style meatballs.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil – Add depth and that signature umami punch.

Panko Breadcrumbs and Egg – Help bind the meatballs while keeping them light and juicy.

Korean BBQ Sauce (Gochujang-based or store-bought) – Sticky, sweet, spicy—this glaze turns meatballs into flavor bombs.

Baguette – The backbone of banh mi; crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy inside.

Pickled Carrots and Daikon – Add tang and crunch to balance the richness of the meatballs.

Fresh Cilantro – Bright and herbal, a classic banh mi essential.

Jalapeños (optional) – For those who love a kick of heat.

Mayonnaise – Creamy and cool, it mellows the bold flavors and adds richness.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork (or beef), minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, panko breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Either bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or pan-fry until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Glaze the Meatballs

In a small saucepan, warm your Korean BBQ sauce. Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated and sticky.

Step 4: Quick Pickle the Veggies

Julienne carrots and daikon (or substitute with just carrots). Toss them in rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.

Step 5: Toast the Baguette

Slice the baguette and toast it in the oven or toaster oven until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble the Banh Mi

Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the baguette. Add a generous layer of pickled veggies, then the BBQ-glazed meatballs. Top with jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, and extra sauce if desired.

Serving and Storing This Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi

Serve your Banh Mi warm, with the baguette freshly toasted for that perfect crunch. Pair it with a side of sesame slaw or crispy fries for a hearty meal. For drinks, Thai iced tea or a citrusy soda balances the spice beautifully.

Storing leftovers? Store components separately. Meatballs can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Pickled veggies keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey also work well, though they tend to be leaner. You may want to add a splash of oil or extra egg for moisture.

Is Korean BBQ sauce the same as gochujang?

Not quite. Gochujang is a spicy fermented chili paste, often used as a base for Korean BBQ sauce but not the same. Use a store-bought Korean BBQ sauce or make your own with gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free baguette. Double-check your soy sauce label or use tamari.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

No problem! Try fresh basil, mint, or even green onions. The fresh herbs give the sandwich brightness, so include something green.

Can I prep everything ahead?

Yes! Meatballs and pickled veggies can be prepped 1-2 days in advance. Just reheat and assemble before serving.

Are there vegetarian options?

You could substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or marinated tofu cubes and still follow the same glazing method.

Want More Sandwich Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Korean BBQ Meatball Banh Mi, you’ll definitely want to check out these other flavor-packed sandwiches:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps with a creamy, melty center.
Chicken Street Tacos for a handheld flavor fiesta.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for Mediterranean flair in every bite.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with crispy bites and spicy-sweet sauce.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce when you want comfort food upgraded.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sandwich board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the jalapeños or swap in sriracha mayo? I love seeing your spins on this delicious sandwich. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.