If you are looking for a dinner that is packed with bold flavor without requiring a long list of complicated ingredients, these Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Beef Meatballs are about to become a favorite. Tender beef meatballs are infused with fresh lemongrass, garlic, and green onions, then finished in a savory lime garlic sauce that is slightly sweet, a little tangy, and incredibly satisfying.

Serve them over fluffy jasmine rice with a drizzle of sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, and extra green onions for a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in about 35 minutes. Whether you are meal prepping lunches or making an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor while keeping things simple.

How This Recipe Supports Feeling Good

Feeling good doesn’t have to mean giving up flavorful meals. These lemongrass beef meatballs are made with simple ingredients that create a balanced dinner you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Ground beef provides protein to help keep you satisfied, while fresh garlic, ginger, cilantro, and lemongrass add vibrant flavor without relying on heavy sauces. Pairing the meatballs with rice creates a satisfying meal, and adding fresh toppings like green onions, cilantro, and lime brings brightness to every bite.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Add steamed broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, or snap peas to make it an easy, colorful bowl that fits your family’s tastes. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring – it can be bold, comforting, and full of flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 35 minutes
• Packed with fresh lemongrass, garlic, and lime flavor
• Great for busy weeknight dinners
• Perfect for meal prep lunches
• High in protein to help keep you full
• Naturally dairy-free
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
• Better-than-takeout flavor made at home
• Family-friendly with adjustable spice levels
• Delicious served over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps

Easy Lemongrass Beef Meatballs

These juicy Lemongrass Beef Meatballs are packed with fresh garlic, green onions, fish sauce, and fragrant lemongrass, then finished with a bright, savory lime garlic sauce. They are simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to feel like takeout at home. Serve over jasmine rice with sriracha mayo and sesame seeds for an easy meal everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 green onions thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemongrass very finely minced
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Sauce

• 1 green onion thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional for Serving

• Cooked jasmine rice
• Sriracha mayo
• Sesame seeds
• Green onion tops
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, green onions, garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll into approximately 2-inch meatballs.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of avocado oil. Sear the meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side.
5. While the meatballs cook, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
6. Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.
7. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach 160°F internally.
8. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs before serving.
9. Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro, and an extra squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Tips

Fresh lemongrass gives the best flavor. Mince it very finely so it blends into the meatballs.

Don’t overmix the beef or the meatballs can become dense.

Searing before baking creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.

These meal prep well and reheat beautifully for lunches.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.