Banh Mi Rice Bowl Recipe (with Meatballs + Pickled Veggies)
This easy banh mi rice bowl recipe features flavorful meatballs served over rice with quick pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy spicy mayo. A fresh, vibrant meal inspired by classic Vietnamese banh mi flavors—perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon garlic chili sauce (sub sriracha)
Quick Pickled Veggies:
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot thinly sliced into 3 inch strips
- 1/4 purple onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-2 garlic cloves smashed
Pork Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro minced
- 1/4 cup green onions minced (white part only)
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons garlic chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Rice Bowl Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked rice of your choice
- 2 cups English cucumber sliced
- fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Spicy Mayo: combine 1/2 cup mayo and 1 tablespoon garlic chili sauce in small bowl; stir to combine. Set aside.
- Quick Pickled Veggies: Place thinly sliced vegetables into a mason jar. Add 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1-2 garlic cloves to small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and then pour pickling liquid into same jar as vegetables while still hot. Let sit while you make the meatballs.
- Meatballs: Add Pork Meatball ingredients to mixing bow and combine. Take 1 1/2 tablespoons at a time and form into meatballs. Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides and then move around pan until fully cooked, approx. 10-15 minutes. Pork is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temp. of 145 degrees F.
- Build Bowls: Divide rice, meatballs, cucumbers, spicy mayo and pickled veggies between 4 bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Meatballs: makes approx. 18-20 meatballs
- Meal Prep: this would be a great option for meal prep - make the meatballs, spicy mayo and pickled veggies ahead time and throw together on a busy weeknight!
- Love Banh Mi - try our Banh Mi Smash Taco!
Nutrition
Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1525mg | Potassium: 669mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3220IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2mg
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