Leftover Asian Meatball Sub
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This Asian Meatball Sub is the perfect way to use your leftover Asian Meatballs or Pineapple Chili Meatballs. This quick and easy meal is as filling as it is delicious!
Today’s Step 1 Recipe: 3-Ingredient Asian Meatballs
These 3-Ingredient Asian Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer because they’re easy to make and budget-friendly. Read on to learn how to make the leftover meatballs into a totally new meal that your family will love!
What’s to love about Asian Meatball Subs
If you’re a fan of traditional Italian meatball subs, prepare to be blown away by this unique twist – Asian Meatball Subs! Tender Asian-inspired meatballs, fragrant and loaded with flavors, are nestled in a soft sub roll. But that’s not all – the juicy meatballs are balanced by the peppery bite of arugula, a drizzle of sweet and savory Hawaiian BBQ sauce, and thinly sliced pear that adds a crisp, refreshing element to each bite.
The combination of flavors and textures in these Asian Meatball Subs is a revelation. You get the umami-packed punch from the meatballs, complemented by the crunch of arugula, and then, the unexpected zing from the pear slices that cut through the richness with a burst of juiciness.
Plus, the convenience factor here is a game-changer. These subs are a fantastic way to repurpose those delightful 3-ingredient Asian meatballs you made last night. That means you can enjoy a whole new meal without breaking a sweat. It’s a delightful mash-up that’s sure to make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients Needed
Exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- If you have little mouths to feed, consider making mini Asian meatball sliders on Hawaiian rolls!
- Make it with our 3-Ingredient Pineapple Chili Meatballs for another great twist.
- Sub sriracha for the Hawaiian BBQ sauce to give your meatball subs a spicy and less sweet flavor.
Grow Your Own
Plant arugula in your garden or in a pot on your windowsill. It’s easy to grow and will save you money when you want a fresh salad or greens to go on a sandwich.
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Grab the Gardener’s Planner below!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Reheat the meatballs and add to a sub with all your chosen fixings!
How to store and love your leftovers
- Refrigerate: The meatballs can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months. If you have leftover bread, consider freezing it as well, wrapped in plastic wrap and inside a freezer bag. It will last for several months and thaws quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to use it.
When you run out of meatballs, sub in slow cooker pork to make the same sandwiches again!
Make Your Bread Last
To make bread last longer, store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Freeze any bread you won’t use immediately, or use a bread box to maintain freshness. If your bread becomes stale, repurpose it in recipes like croutons or bread crumbs to minimize waste.
FAQ’s
While it’s best to assemble the subs just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients, you can prepare the components ahead of time and quickly assemble when you’re ready to eat.
If you don’t have Hawaiian BBQ sauce, you can use a regular BBQ sauce or a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce for a different flavor twist. Hot sauce or Japanese mayo would also be delicious alternatives.
Hawaiian BBQ sauce often features a sweeter profile with hints of pineapple and soy sauce, providing a unique tropical flavor that complements the meatballs nicely.
Serve with
- Asian Slaw
- Edamame Salad
- Miso Soup
- Cucumber Salad
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Asian Meatball Sub
Ingredients
- 5 meatballs leftover from Asian Meatballs
- 2 Tablespoons Hawaiian BBQ sauce or to taste
- 1/4 pear thinly sliced
- 1 sub roll
- 1/2 cup arugula
Instructions
- Reheat the meatballs in a microwave for 2 minutes, in 30-second increments. Turn them every 30 seconds for even heating.
- Fill your sub roll with all the ingredients and enjoy!
