2poundsground meat, beef, pork, turkey or a combo - (see note)
1cuppanko or regular bread crumbs
¼cupchopped fresh cilantro
2green onions, white and green parts finely chopped
2large eggs
2tablespoonssoy sauce, I use low-sodium
1tablespoonfinely minced ginger, or ginger paste
3clovesgarlic, finely minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1teaspoondried basil
Zest from 1 lime, about a teaspoon
Pinchof crushed red pepper, more or less to taste (optional)
Sauce:
⅓cupsoy sauce, I use low-sodium
⅓cupsweet chili sauce (see note)
¼cupfresh lime juice, from 2-3 limes
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, add the ground meat. Add all the other meatball ingredients and mix until well-combined (I just dig in there with my hands). Roll 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into meatballs and place 1/2-inch apart or so on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should read 165 degrees F in the middle of a meatball).
While the meatballs cook, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan and heat until simmering.
Using tongs or a spatula, remove the meatballs from the baking sheet onto a plate or tray. Drizzle the cooked meatballs with the warm sauce and garnish with additional green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the meatballs on their own or over brown rice, white rice, quinoa, etc.
Notes
Change the Flavor: use fish sauce instead of soy sauce in the meatball mixture. I've made these meatballs with a combination of ground pork and ground turkey and another time with 100% ground beef. All versions have been delicious.Sweet Chili Sauce: is pretty widely available in most grocery stores in the Asian-foods aisle (by the soy sauce). It is sweet and spicy; different brands may differ in flavor and spiciness (Mae Ploy is a popular brand). There are also lots of homemade versions online if you google a recipe.