Description
Springy, bouncy Vietnamese beef meatballs (bò viên). Perfect for adding to pho noodle soup or enjoying on their own as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g/about 1.1 lbs ground beef (80 to 90% lean; one package from Costco; partially frozen into thin sheets)
- 2 tablespoon finely minced shallot (1 shallot or 2 teaspoons onion powder)
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (3 large cloves or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Make the paste mixture: Tear the partially frozen beef (500g) into small pieces and place them in a stand mixer bowl. Add shallot (2 tablespoons), garlic (1 tablespoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), MSG (optional 1/2 teaspoon), sugar (1 tablespoon), fish sauce (1 tablespoon), baking powder (2 teaspoons), corn starch (2 tablespoons), and cold water (1 tablespoon). Mix on low speed with a paddle attachment, then increase to medium until the beef forms a sticky, smooth paste (about 5 minutes).
- Cook and shape meatballs: Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) and have a bowl of cold water nearby. Wet your hands or spoon with the cold water then scoop out and form small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter). Gently add them to the simmering pot. Cook for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the traditional shaping method: wet one hand with cold water, grab a handful of meat paste, and squeeze it out between your thumb and index finger to form a meatball.
- Serving and storage: Once cooked, scoop out the meat balls with a slotted spoon or small colander. They’re ready to use in noodle soups or on their own as an appetizer. Once cooled, you can storage them in the freezer for future use. They will last for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese