Xiu Mai (Vietnamese Meatballs)

Step 1

Season the meat. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork, diced onions, and finely diced jicama. Add the salt, chicken powder, sugar, and black pepper and mix with your hands until thoroughly combined.

Step 2

Shape the meatballs. Using spray oil, lightly grease two large heatproof plates with a lip that can fit in the basket of your steamer and hold the meat juices. Using your hands tightly shape the meat into 1 to 2-inch meatballs and place them on the greased tray.

Step 3

Steam the meatballs. Boil water in a steamer. Place the meat in the steamer and steam on high heat for 10 minutes. You may need to steam the meatballs in batches. Remember to reserve the meat juice.

Step 4

Cook the tomato sauce. In a large skillet, add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and the minced garlic. Sauté on medium-high until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown. Then turn the heat to low and mix in the 6 oz can of tomato paste and sauté for together for 30 seconds. Next add the sugar, fish sauce, and sauté for another for 30 seconds. (If you are using freshly chopped tomatoes, add them here.) Lastly, add 4 cups of water and mix until combined.

Step 5

Cook the meatballs in the sauce. On high heat, add all the meatballs with the meat juice. Cook for 20-30 minutes on high heat uncovered until the sauce reduces by 2/3s and thickens.

Step 6

Serve. Top with chopped scallions and cilantro and enjoy either with a baguette, in a banh mi, with rice, or with noodles!