Vietnamese Meatball / Xiu Mai

There’s something about Xiu Mai that brings me straight back to my childhood—those weekdays after school in preschool when my mom and I would stop by Saigon Deli. The smell of warm, savory meatballs coated in a rich tomato sauce filled the air as we picked up our order. It was one of those comforting dishes that felt like a warm hug, a simple yet profoundly satisfying meal that always hit the spot. Now, you don’t have to make a trip to your favorite Vietnamese deli to enjoy this dish—you can recreate this classic right at home!

Brief History of Xiu Mai

Xíu Mại is a Vietnamese-style meatball, typically made from ground pork, garlic, shallots, and seasonings, then simmered in a savory-sweet tomato sauce. It’s often served with bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette) for dipping or with steamed rice.

The name xiu mai comes from Cantonese (shāomài, 燒賣), the same term used for siu mai dumplings found in dim sum. However, Vietnam’s xiu mai differs significantly from the Cantonese dumpling. The dish likely made its way to Vietnam through Chinese immigrants, particularly the Teochew and Cantonese communities, who brought their cooking traditions and adapted them with local ingredients. Over time, Vietnam developed its own unique version, transforming xíu mại into a saucy, tomato-based meatball dish.

What Makes Xiu Mai Unique

Unlike Chinese siu mai, which is wrapped in a thin dough skin, Vietnamese xiu mai consists of ground pork meatballs that are often mixed with garlic, shallots, and jicama. These meatballs are then simmered in a savory, slightly sweet tomato sauce, a hallmark of Vietnamese adaptations of Chinese dishes. The use of tomatoes, introduced to Vietnam by European traders, adds a French-influenced touch to the dish.

Jicama for a Crisp-Tender Texture: Unlike traditional meatballs, Vietnamese xiu mai incorporates diced jicama, which adds a light, crisp texture while keeping the meatballs juicy and tender.

A Savory and Sweet Flavor Profile: This dish is incredibly well-balanced thanks to the combination of umami-rich seasonings, a touch of sweetness, and tangy tomato sauce.

Versatile Serving Options: While commonly eaten with banh mi, xiu mai can also be enjoyed over rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deeply Flavorful: The combination of juicy pork meatballs, umami-packed seasonings, and rich tomato sauce creates an unforgettable taste.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.

Perfect with Bánh Mì: Xiu mai is the ultimate Vietnamese comfort food, especially when paired with a crispy baguette to soak up all the delicious sauce.