Vietnamese-style Ćevapi

Ingredients

While the original Bosnian Ćevapi is typically served with bread and onions, this Vietnamese-style adaptation incorporates the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Bánh mì sandwiches. The addition of pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce gives the dish a unique Vietnamese twist. We alse have the original recipe for Ćevapi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 baguette, sliced into individual portions 1 baguette, sliced into individual portions
• Fresh cilantro, mint, and basil leaves Fresh cilantro, mint, and basil leaves
• Pickled carrots and daikon (recipe below) Pickled carrots and daikon (recipe below)
• Sriracha or chili sauce, for serving Sriracha or chili sauce, for serving
• Pickled Carrots and Daikon: Pickled Carrots and Daikon:
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 daikon radish, julienned 1 daikon radish, julienned
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 30g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, milk, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the meat mixture into small cylindrical shapes, similar to sausages. Thread the meat onto skewers, about 3-4 pieces per skewer.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the skewers with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
5. 5.
   While the skewers are grilling, prepare the pickled carrots and daikon. In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Place the julienned carrots and daikon in a glass jar or container. Pour the pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the pickled vegetables sit for at least 30 minutes before using.
7. 7.
   To serve, spread some Sriracha or chili sauce on the sliced baguette. Place a grilled meat skewer on top, followed by a generous amount of pickled carrots and daikon. Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, and basil leaves.
8. 8.
   Enjoy the Vietnamese-style Ćevapi immediately while the meat is still hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork and beef — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option.
• Fish sauce — If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute with soy sauce or tamari.
• Baguette — Choose a crusty baguette for the best texture and flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs according to your taste preference.
• Pickled carrots and daikon — Make extra and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. They make a great addition to other Vietnamese dishes.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or chili peppers to the pickled vegetables.
• Serve the Vietnamese-style Ćevapi with a side of Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham) for extra flavor.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Customize the toppings by adding sliced cucumbers, jalapeños, or mayonnaise to your Bánh mì-inspired skewers.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Ćevapi as a main course, accompanied by a side of Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham) for dipping. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed rice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled meat skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Serve the pickled carrots and daikon in a separate bowl for guests to add to their skewers as desired.