Asian chicken meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that combines ground chicken with savory seasonings and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal spread, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with their rich flavors and tender texture. Follow this guide to create mouthwatering Asian chicken meatballs that are both easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil for brushing the meatballs
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch to make a slurry (mix with a small amount of water)
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- Heat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coat of grease.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, dried breadcrumbs, egg, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce. Combine thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepped baking sheet.
- Brush with Oil: Brush the meatballs with oil to help them brown and stay moist while baking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, and sriracha. Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a small amount of water) to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
Coat the Meatballs
- Coat with Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Serve
- Plate the Meatballs: Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the Asian chicken meatballs hot as an appetizer, over rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Asian chicken meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. The combination of tender chicken, savory seasonings, and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce creates a delicious meal that is both easy to prepare and sure to impress. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, these meatballs not only taste great but also look fantastic on the plate. Enjoy this delightful dish and happy cooking!