ASIAN CHICKEN AND CILANTRO MEATBALLS

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Asian Chicken and Cilantro Meatballs image

Steam chicken meatballs-flavored with cilantro, ginger, and fish sauce-and serve in warm broth for an Asian-inspired soup.

Provided by Patricia Wells

Yield Makes 25-30 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 18

For the Kaffir Lime Powder (optional):
12 fresh, frozen, or dried kaffir lime leaves, coarsely chopped
For the soup:
1 pound (500 g) boneless, skinless free-range chicken breast meat
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Vietnamese fish sauce
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, or 1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup (40 g) plain dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup (125 ml) minced scallions, white and green parts
1 large egg, free-range and organic
1/4 cup minced fresh chives
1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon Kaffir Lime Powder (optional)
Chicken stock or vegetable bouillon, warmed, for serving
Special Equipment
An electric spice mill; a small jar with a lid; a baking sheet lined with baking parchment; a food processor; a bamboo steamer.

Steps:

  • Make the Kaffir Lime Powder, if using:
  • In the spice mill, grind the leaves to a fine powder. Store in the jar with the lid securely tightened at room temperature for up to 1 month. (Makes 2 tablespoons powder.)
  • Make the soup:
  • Cut the chicken into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Spread the meat in a single layer on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for 1 hour. The chicken should be stiff. (Freezing will help the food processor blade cut the meat cleanly rather than tearing or smearing it.)
  • Place the cubes in the food processor and process for about 15 seconds, until the chicken is coarsely ground. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil and the remaining ingredients (except the stock), and use your hands to blend the mixture
  • To prevent the mixture from sticking, wet your hands with cold water, then shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (3 cm) balls, about the size of golf balls.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart (1 l) water to a boil over high heat.
  • Arrange the meatballs side by side in the steamer, cover, and place on top of the saucepan. Steam until cooked through, about 5 minutes (see page 15 for best tips on steaming techniques and equipment). In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs for a few minutes to create a crunchy, colorful exterior. Serve in the chicken stock or vegetable stock, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Gunjan Pun
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I'm not a big fan of cilantro, but I still enjoyed these meatballs. The flavors were well-balanced.


Olawoye Damilola
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I made these meatballs in the air fryer and they turned out great! They were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.


Ntande Mazwi
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These meatballs were a bit too spicy for my taste.


Shehraz awan
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I loved the addition of cilantro in these meatballs. It gave them a really unique flavor.


Sohaib Abdullah
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These meatballs were a bit bland. I think they needed more seasoning.


Abdinajib AbdullahI
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I made these meatballs with ground turkey instead of chicken and they were still delicious. They were a healthy and flavorful meal.


kamyra maldonado
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These meatballs were amazing! The perfect combination of flavors and textures.


chunnu shekh
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I found the recipe to be a bit confusing. The instructions were not very clear.


Sabita Nugo
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The meatballs were a bit dry, but the flavor was good.


Denise Hester
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These meatballs were easy to make and very delicious. I will definitely be making them again.


Mahmoud SAWY
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I made these meatballs for a party and they were a huge success. Everyone loved them!


Lavern Reid
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I followed the recipe exactly and the meatballs turned out perfectly. They were cooked all the way through and had a nice crispy crust.


charles tonia
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These meatballs were a hit with my family! They were juicy and flavorful, and the cilantro added a nice freshness. I will definitely be making these again.