2 Thai chiles, minced or 1 large jalapeno, minced .
1 tsp vegetable oil, plus more for brushing .
3 large carrots, julienned on a mandoline or carrots, shredded .
1 large shallot, thinly sliced .
16 oz tomato sauce .
3 tbsps rice wine or dry white wine .
1 1/2 tsps fresh ground pepper .
6 French rolls or baguette .
1/2 c distilled white vinegar .
4 large canned water chestnuts, minced .
Quick Pickled Carrots .
1 tbsp cabbage kimchi, Korean-style (see Note) .
2 tbsps sliced cilantro leaves, plus 12 large sprigs .
1 1/2 lbs ground pork .
1/2 c minced onions .
2 tbsps vegetable oil, plus more for brushing .
1/2 tsp sesame oil .
3 1/2 tbsps asian fish sauce .
hot sauce, for serving .
3 tbsps cornstarch
Directions
Step #1 Quick Pickled Carrots - In a large bowl, stir the sugar & salt into the vinegar until completely dissolved.
Step #2 Add the julienned carrots & cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Step #3 Let the carrots marinate for at least 30 mins at about room temp or put in the fridge overnight.
Step #4 Soak six 10-inch bamboo skewers in water for 20 mins; drain.
Step #5 Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsps of the vegetable oil.
Step #6 Add the garlic, chiles & shallot & cook over moderate heat until softened, about 3 mins.
Step #7 Add the rice wine & bring to a boil.
Step #8 Stir in the tomato sauce & let simmer, until thickened, stirring every once in awhile, about 10 mins.
Step #9 Stir in 1 tbsp of the fish sauce.
Step #10 In a large bowl, carefully mix the ground pork with the onion, kimchi, sliced cilantro, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, water chestnuts, pepper, beaten egg mixture & the remaining 1 tsp of vegetable oil & 2 1/2 tbsps of fish sauce.
Step #11 Using moistened hands, roll the mixture into 30 meatballs.
Step #12 Thread the meatballs onto the skewers & put in the fridge until chilled.
Step #13 Light a grill.
Step #14 Lightly brush the meatballs with vegetable oil & grill over a hot fire until browned & cooked through, about 10 mins.
Step #15 Halve the rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
Step #16 Halve the meatballs, stuff them into the rolls & spoon the tomato sauce over them.
Step #17 Top with the Quick Pickled Carrots & cilantro sprigs & serve this with hot sauce.
Enjoy the Vietnamese Grilled Pork Meatball Sandwiches recipe