Vietnamese Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Thịt Viên Sốt Cà Chua)

Everyone loves meatballs. While Swedish meatballs are rich and creamy and best enjoyed with mash, Vietnamese Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are lighter, tangy and utterly delicious. The dish is the ultimate comfort food - quick to make and packed with flavour. Whether you serve it with a steaming bowl of rice or a crusty Vietnamese baguette, it never fails to hit the spot.

Perfect for a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend meal, this dish delivers on both speed and taste. Let me show you how to make Thịt Viên Sốt Cà Chua in just a few simple steps.

How to make the Vietnamese meatballs

The ingredients

The secret to juicy, tender meatballs lies in the right balance of ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Pork mince (12% fat) - This ensures the meatballs stay juicy. You can use leaner mince, but the meatballs might turn out a bit dry.
• Garlic granules - For that warm, aromatic flavour.
• Ground pepper - Adds a hint of spice.
• Tapioca flour - Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
• 1 large egg - Adds moisture and helps the mixture hold together.
• Fish sauce - A must-have in Vietnamese cooking for its umami depth.

Making the meatballs

Simply mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Then, using a spoon or a cookie scooper, portion out equal amounts of the mixture and roll them into meatballs.

Next, heat a flat pan over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the meatballs all over - this should take no longer than 10 minutes. Once golden, remove them from the pan and set them aside in a bowl.

The tomato sauce

A good sauce is what makes this dish so comforting. It's simple, fresh and packed with flavour.

What you'll need

• 1 big onion, sliced into wedges.
• A few ripe tomatoes, also sliced into wedges.
• A dash of fish sauce - enhances the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
• Olive oil - for sauteing.

Cooking the sauce

Heat the pan and add a little more olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and stir-fry for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato wedges and fish sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.

Return the meatballs to the pan, ensuring they are well coated in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

How to serve Vietnamese Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

This dish is best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice and a side of greens for a well-balanced meal. Today, I paired ith with stir-fried cabbage, but any green vegetable will do.

If you're looking for something different, try serving it with a Vietnamese Crusty Baguette - perfect for soaking up the rich, tangy sauce.

Why you'll love this dish

Vietnamese Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It's simple, quick to make and bursting with flavour. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish is guaranteed to become a favourite.

So, give it a go and let me know - how do you like your Thịt Viên Sốt Cà Chua?