Vietnamese Meatballs (Xíu Mại): A Comforting Classic

January 17, 2026 Odiraa

Vietnamese Meatballs (Xíu Mại): A Comforting Classic with Pork, Shrimp, and Tomato Sauce

Few foods are as universally comforting as meatballs. Across cultures, they show up in countless forms—rolled, simmered, fried, baked, tucked into sandwiches, or served over rice.

In Vietnamese cuisine, one of the most beloved versions is Xíu Mại, tender pork and shrimp meatballs gently cooked and served in a light, tangy tomato sauce. Simple yet deeply satisfying, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Xíu Mại is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, though in Vietnam it is especially popular as a morning meal, often paired with warm bread to soak up the savory sauce. Whether you eat it plain, spooned over rice, or stuffed into a crusty baguette, this dish always feels hearty, nostalgic, and nourishing.

What sets Vietnamese meatballs apart from many Western versions is their delicate texture. These meatballs are not dense or heavy. Instead, they are soft, juicy, and almost melt in your mouth. A clever addition of finely diced jicama (or water chestnuts) adds moisture and a subtle crunch that makes every bite more interesting.

What Is Xíu Mại?

Xíu Mại is a Vietnamese meatball dish typically made with ground pork, sometimes combined with shrimp, lightly seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, and shallots, then gently steamed. Unlike Italian-style meatballs that rely heavily on herbs and cheese, Xíu Mại is seasoned more subtly, allowing the natural flavors of the meat and seafood to shine.

The meatballs are then served in a fresh tomato-based sauce that is light, slightly tangy, and not overly thick. This sauce is meant to complement, not overpower, the meatballs. When paired with bread, the sauce becomes just as important as the meat itself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, juicy texture thanks to steaming instead of frying
Balanced flavor from pork, shrimp, fish sauce, and fresh tomatoes
Versatile serving options: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or appetizer
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Authentic yet approachable, using easy-to-find ingredients

Ingredients Overview

To make Vietnamese Meatballs (Xíu Mại), you’ll need a combination of fresh proteins, aromatics, and pantry staples.

For the Meatballs:

Ground pork (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely minced
Fish sauce
Salt and ground black pepper
Garlic and shallot, minced
Finely diced jicama (or canned water chestnuts)
Panko breadcrumbs

For the Tomato Sauce:

Fresh ripe tomatoes
Chicken broth or water
A small amount of oil
Additional salt and pepper to taste

Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned gives the sauce a lighter, brighter flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate meatballs.

How to Make Vietnamese Meatballs (Xíu Mại)

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, jicama, garlic, shallot, breadcrumbs, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing—this is key to keeping the meatballs tender rather than tough.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into golf ball–sized meatballs. You should get about 16 meatballs, but you can make them slightly smaller or larger depending on how you plan to serve them.

Step 3: Steam the Meatballs

Arrange the meatballs on a heat-safe plate or tray that fits inside a steamer. Steam over boiling water for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked. As they steam, the meatballs will release flavorful juices—do not discard this liquid, as it will be added to the sauce later.

Steaming is what gives Xíu Mại its signature soft, delicate texture.

Making the Tomato Sauce

While the meatballs are steaming, start the sauce.

Bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the tomatoes for about 30 seconds, just until the skins loosen.
Peel off the skins and blend the tomatoes until smooth.
Heat a small amount of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and add the tomato puree.
Cook over medium heat until the sauce deepens in color and thickens slightly. You should be able to drag a spatula across the bottom and briefly see the pot before the sauce settles back.
Add chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Once the meatballs are done steaming, gently add them to the tomato sauce along with the reserved steaming liquid. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the meatballs absorb the flavor of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Tips and Substitutions

Use pork with some fat: Lean pork will result in dry meatballs.
No jicama? Canned water chestnuts work perfectly.
No steamer? You can bake or pan-fry the meatballs, though steaming gives the best texture.
Panko vs. regular breadcrumbs: Panko makes the meatballs lighter and softer.
Chunky sauce option: Skip peeling and blending the tomatoes. Dice and cook them down for a more rustic texture.

How to Serve Xíu Mại

Xíu Mại is traditionally served with bread, making it perfect for dipping. A warm Vietnamese baguette absorbs the tomato sauce beautifully. You can also turn it into a Vietnamese meatball sandwich (bánh mì–style) by adding cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot, and fresh cilantro.

Other serving ideas:

Spoon over steamed rice
Serve as a party appetizer with smaller meatballs
Pair with a light vegetable side for a balanced meal

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Uncooked meatballs can be shaped and frozen for up to 6 months.
Cooked meatballs and sauce keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Lastly, the tomato sauce alone can also be frozen separately for future use.

This makes Xíu Mại a fantastic option for meal prep or batch cooking.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Meatballs (Xíu Mại) are the kind of dish that feels both comforting and special. Soft, juicy pork and shrimp meatballs, gently steamed and bathed in a light tomato sauce, create a meal that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

Whether you enjoy them the traditional way with bread or get creative with sandwiches and rice bowls, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite.

If you love exploring comforting Asian dishes, Xíu Mại is a must-try classic that brings warmth to the table any time of day.