For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 3 tablespoons minced lemongrass
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Nuoc Cham

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small red chili or jalapeño, thinly sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes)

For serving

• 3-4 bundles rice vermicelli (bún), or any thin-to-medium rice noodle
• 1 English cucumber
• 1-2 medium carrots
• Mung bean sprouts
• Fresh mint, basil, and/or cilantro, for garnish
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced