Vietnamese Beef Balls Thit Bo Vien
Discover the rich, savory delight of Vietnamese Beef Balls, or Thịt Bò Viên, a quintessential addition to Vietnamese cuisine. These springy, flavorful meatballs are made with tender beef, blended with aromatic fish sauce, garlic powder, and a touch of white pepper for a perfect balance of umami and spice. The unique addition of ice water and ice cubes ensures a silky-smooth paste and signature bouncy texture, while a quick simmer transforms them into juicy, protein-packed gems. Perfect for enhancing a steaming bowl of pho, adding to noodle soups, or enjoying as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Easy to make and bursting with traditional Vietnamese flavors, these savory beef balls are a must-try for any home cook.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 500 grams beef (preferably blade roast or chuck, with some fat)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 60 milliliters ice water
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5 pieces ice cubes
Directions
Step 1
Cut the beef into small cubes and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps achieve a smooth texture when blending.
Step 2
Dissolve the baking soda in the ice water. Set aside.
Step 3
In a food processor, pulse the slightly frozen beef cubes until finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4
Add the baking soda mixture, fish sauce, sugar, white pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch to the minced beef. Continue blending until it becomes a smooth, sticky paste. This may take around 3-5 minutes, depending on your processor. Add the ice cubes one at a time during blending to maintain a cold temperature.
Step 5
Once the paste is ready, transfer it to a bowl. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking, then scoop about a tablespoon of the paste. Shape it into a smooth ball by tossing it between your palms. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Step 6
Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and drop the beef balls in one at a time, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Step 7
Cook the beef balls for 5-7 minutes, until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on a plate.
Step 8
Your Thịt Bò Viên are now ready! Serve them in a pho soup, noodle dish, or enjoy as a snack with a dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (772.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1355.1 |
| Total Fat 100.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 40.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 350mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4074.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 23.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.4g | |
| Protein 92.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 74.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1493.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories