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.

David Mercado
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These meatballs were delicious! The chicken was tender and the sauce was flavorful. I would definitely make these again.


korno Saha
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I made these meatballs for my friends and they loved them! They were a big hit at the party. I will definitely be making these again.


Adu Fikir
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These meatballs were really easy to make and they turned out so flavorful. The cilantro added a really nice touch. I will definitely be making these again.


Fabrice M
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These meatballs were a little spicy for my taste, but they were still good. I would definitely make them again, but I would use less chili sauce next time.


Akifullah Channel (Guârds lôvé)
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I'm not a big fan of Asian food, but I decided to try these meatballs anyway. I'm so glad I did! They were delicious. I will definitely be making these again.


Nkululeko Mabutho Nxumalo
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These meatballs were easy to make and turned out delicious. I would definitely make these again.


Suvash Paul
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I made these meatballs for my kids and they loved them! They were a little messy to eat, but they were worth it.


Walid Abdulaal
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These meatballs were really good! The chicken was tender and the sauce was flavorful. I would definitely make these again.


Isel Mohamed
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I found these meatballs to be a little bland. I would add more spices next time.


Sima Jha
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These meatballs were a little dry for my taste. I think I would add more sauce next time.


salim shah
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I'm not a big fan of cilantro, but I decided to try these meatballs anyway. I'm so glad I did! The cilantro added a really nice flavor to the meatballs. I will definitely be making these again.


Prince yaseen150
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These meatballs were easy to make and turned out delicious. The chicken was moist and flavorful, and the sauce was tangy and sweet. I will definitely be making these again.


Tahmina Tania
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I made these meatballs for my family and they loved them! The chicken was tender and the sauce was flavorful. I will definitely be making these again.


Russ Coenen
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These meatballs were a hit at my party! They were so flavorful and juicy, and the cilantro added a really nice freshness. I will definitely be making these again.