Craving something bold, tangy, and packed with flavor? An Asian Meatball Sandwich is simple enough for a weeknight meal and impressive enough to serve at a gathering!
A delicious Asian Meatball sandwich combines the savory goodness of meatballs, the refreshing crunch of pickled veggies, and a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce for a sandwich that’s bursting with texture and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Meatball Sandwich
- Quick & Easy: Thanks to frozen meatballs, this recipe comes together fast, so you can enjoy a gourmet sandwich with minimal prep.
- Sweet, Spicy, and Tangy: The combination of honey, sriracha, and soy sauce in the meatball glaze balances perfectly with the fresh pickled veggies.
- Customizable: Want to add some extra flair? Garnish your sandwich with cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or scallions for a finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 (20 oz) bag of frozen beef or pork meatballs (about 30 meatballs), heated according to package instructions.
For the Pickled Topping:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 hoagie rolls, sliced in half
- Optional garnishes: roughly chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions
Directions
1. Prepare the Pickled Topping
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Toss in the grated carrots and thinly sliced cucumber, making sure they are evenly coated. Set this aside to marinate while you prepare the rest of the sandwich. This adds a bright, tangy crunch to balance the savory meatballs.
2. Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, beef stock, honey, soy sauce, and sriracha. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce thickens slightly, add your warmed meatballs and toss them until they are well-coated in the flavorful sauce.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Grab your hoagie rolls and fill each with about five saucy meatballs. Top with a couple of spoonfuls of the pickled carrot and cucumber mixture for a crisp, refreshing bite. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the meatballs. Finish with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions if you’d like.
Pro Tips for Perfect Asian Meatball Sandwiches
- Toast Your Hoagies: Lightly toasting your hoagie rolls adds a bit of crunch and helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, add a little extra sriracha to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or skip it altogether.
- Pickled Perfection: The longer you let the veggies marinate, the more flavor they absorb, so feel free to prepare the pickled topping in advance for an even tangier bite.
Why This Sandwich Is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Using frozen meatballs cuts down on time, making this recipe quick and convenient. The combination of fresh, pickled vegetables with a rich, flavorful sauce elevates it from a simple sandwich to something truly special. It’s an excellent choice when you want something delicious that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade meatballs, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before tossing them in the sauce.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Sliced jalapeños, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of hoisin sauce can be great additions to these sandwiches.
More Asian-Inspired Dishes
This Asian Meatball Sandwich is your new go-to for a quick, flavor-packed meal. With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, it’s bound to be a hit with your family or guests. Try it today, and don’t forget to experiment with the toppings to make it your own!
Asian Meatball Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 20oz bag of frozen beef or pork meatballs, approximately 30 meatballs, heated according to package instructions
For the Pickled Topping:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced thin
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
For the sandwiches:
- 6 hoagie rolls, sliced in half
- optional toppings, Roughly-chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Topping. Combine the vinegar, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the carrots and cucumber and mix until combined. Set aside and let marinate.
- Make the Sauce. Add the ketchup, beef stock, honey, soy sauce and sriracha sauce to a saucepan. Heat to boiling, then simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the warm meatballs to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sandwiches. Line each hoagie with about 5 meatballs and a couple spoonfuls of the carrots and cucumber. Drizzle with extra sauce from the pan (as desired) and top with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds and scallions.
