asian meatballs
Let’s face it, hamburger meat is inexpensive, readily available, and easy to cook, but it’s also easy to get bored with it. There’s only so much spaghetti sauce and so many hamburgers you can make. Well, maybe not burgers, but they aren’t exactly waistline friendly if you’re eating them regularly. With fries. Because let’s face it, who wants a burger without fries?!?!
I digress. Back to hamburger meat! If you’re like me, and get easily burned out on it, then meatballs are the way to go! You can make them Mexican with chili powder and cilantro or Hawaiian with pineapple and soy sauce, or you can make them Asian with this recipe. However you make them, get creative and blend together flavors that you love!
Recipe….
2 tablespoons fresh ginger
1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped, reserving some to garnish
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. ponzu or soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
1 tsp. sriracha (more if you like spicy; omit if you don’t)
2 eggs
2 lbs. ground beef
sesame oil
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first 7 ingredients in a mixing bowl until it forms a gooey paste-like substance. Thoroughly mix in ground beef and a generous drizzle of sesame oil. Form into meatballs of desired size. Bake until the center is done, around 160 degrees. Approximately 20-25 minutes.
I like to serve these over rice with a side of sesame ginger edamame or green beans. You can add a drizzle of sesame oil or ponzu over the balls and your rice.