Description
Savor the irresistible flavors of Asian Chicken Meatballs, a delightful culinary journey through bold, zesty spices. Packed with umami goodness and perfect for quick weeknight dinners, you’ll crave these juicy, flavor-packed morsels that bring international flair to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
- Create the meatball mixture by thoroughly combining all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Form uniform spherical meatballs using tablespoon-sized portions, gently rolling each between your palms to create smooth, compact orbs.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing to promote even cooking and golden exterior development.
- Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, monitoring until they reach a golden-brown exterior and achieve an internal temperature of 165F.
- Simultaneously craft the glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and crushed garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Enhance the sauce’s consistency by introducing a cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thickened coating.
- Transfer the freshly baked meatballs to a large mixing bowl and delicately cascade the aromatic sauce over them, gently tumbling to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
- Elevate the presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions as a vibrant, flavorful garnish.
- Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, rice noodles, or present as an elegant appetizer for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Optimize meat moisture by using a mix of ground chicken thighs and breasts for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
- Chill the meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help them hold together better and prevent crumbling during baking.
- Swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar texture if preferred, ensuring lean-to-fat ratio stays consistent.
- Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg