Vietnamese Bun Cha Inspired Meatballs Meal Prep

Ingredients

• 900 grams ground pork
• 4-5 tbsp lemongrass (grated or very finely chopped)
• 3-4 tbsp grated ginger (loosely packed (or to taste)*)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 red chilis (seeds removed, chopped finely)
• 1 lime zest
• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• salt and pepper
• 2 tsp oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• lime zest
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• lime zest
• lime juice
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• peanuts
• lime wedge
• rice or quinoa or vermicelli noodles

Instructions

1. 1

   In a container, mix together the lemongrass, ginger, garlic, red chili, lime zest, chopped cilantro, honey, and soy sauce into the pork.

2. 2

   Mix together throughly and then roll into little meatballs. I use an ice cream scoop to make the sizing consistent and easy. Set aside.

3. 3

   --- Instant Pot Method ---

4. 4

   To make the meatballs in an Instant Pot, add some oil into the IP while on sauté mode.

5. 5

   Place the meatballs into the IP and let it brown on one side before flipping it over.

6. 6

   Add in the liquid (1 cup chicken broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, and lemon zest) into the IP.

7. 7

   Secure the lid on the IP, turn the valve to sealing, click manual (pressure), and set the IP for 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Once done, serve with your choice of sides. I choose carrots, rice, and peanuts. Use the liquid in the IP as a light sauce for the meatballs.

9. 9

   --- Oven Method ---

10. 10

    Heat the oven to 400 degrees

11. 11

    Spray down a pan with non-stick and place your meatballs onto the pan before popping it into the oven for 15-20 minutes.

12. 12

    Once done, serve with your choice of sides and mix together 3 tbsp of honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, lime zest, and lime juice for the sauce.

13. 13

    --- Stove Top Method ---

14. 14

    On medium-high heat, drizzle lightly some oil onto the pan so the meatballs don't stick.

15. 15

    Add the meatballs into the pan and let it cook until they're golden and cooked through.

16. 16

    Once done, serve with your choice of sides and mix together 3 tbsp of honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, lime zest, and lime juice for the sauce.