Bo Vien Balls Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 05, 2025

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Bo Vien Balls Recipe: A Delicious Vietnamese Street Food Delight

Bo Vien, also known as Vietnamese meatball, is a popular street food in Vietnam. These flavorful meatballs are typically served in a savory broth, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe will guide you through creating delicious, authentic Bo Vien at home!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 20-25 Bo Vien balls. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for your desired amount.

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground pork (you can use a mix of pork and beef for a richer flavor)
  • 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, finely chopped (optional, but adds great texture)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (for a brighter flavor)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch (helps bind the meatballs)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• For the Broth (optional, but highly recommended):

  • 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped
  • 2-3 slices ginger, thinly sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Bo Vien Meatballs:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork, wood ear mushrooms (if using), scallions, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, white pepper, egg, and cornstarch. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, gently form the mixture into small, 1-inch balls. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
3. Pan-Fry (Optional): For a crispier exterior, you can lightly pan-fry the meatballs in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional, but adds a nice textural contrast.

Making the Broth (Optional):

1. Simmer the Broth: If you're making the broth, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, lemongrass, and ginger in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add Meatballs: Gently add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Serving Your Bo Vien:

Bo Vien can be served in many ways! Here are a few ideas:

• In Broth: Serve the meatballs in a warm, flavorful broth, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the pan-fried meatballs as an appetizer, with a dipping sauce of your choice.
• In Noodle Soup: Add the meatballs to your favorite noodle soup for extra protein and flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
• Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the amount of fish sauce, sugar, and pepper to your liking.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice can really elevate the dish.

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Enjoy your delicious homemade Bo Vien! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!