Email to Cat      

Five-Spice Pork Meatballs

Source of Recipe

From "Williams Sonoma: Cooking at Home" by Chuck Williams


Recipe Introduction

"Five-spice powder and chopped peanuts, mint, and cilantro impart an exotic flavor to these pork meatballs. The recipe also works well with lamb or beef. For a simple dipping sauce, mix soy sauce with a squeeze of lemon, or try the soy dipping sauce below."

List of Ingredients

◦ 1 � pounds boneless pork loin, cut into �-inch dice
◦ � cup raw peanuts
◦ Leaves from 6 fresh mint sprigs, chopped
◦ Leaves from 6 fresh cilantro sprigs, chopped
◦ 2 egg whites
◦ 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
◦ Salt
◦ 4 tablespoons peanut or canola oil


Recipe

In a food processor, combine the pork, peanuts, mint, cilantro, egg whites, five-spice powder, and a pinch of salt. Process to a medium-fine texture.

To shape the meatballs, dampen your hands with water, scoop up about 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture, and roll between your palms into a ball.

In a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add half of the meatballs to the pan. Cook, occasionally moving the pan in a smooth, circular motion so the balls cook on all sides without breaking, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the pan, cook the remaining meatballs in the same manner, and transfer to the platter. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Makes 6 to 8 servings






❧ Asian Tacos:
These meatballs are also delicious wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with additional herb sprigs and eaten like a taco.

❧ Soy Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, combine � cup soy sauce, 5 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, and 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil and mix well.