Liaoning-style Spicy Meatballs

Ingredients

In this Liaoning-style adaptation, we incorporate the unique flavors and ingredients of Liaoning cuisine. The original Turkish Çiğ köfte is traditionally made with raw meat, but in this recipe, we use cooked ground meat for a safer preparation method. Additionally, we infuse the meatballs with Liaoning-specific spices like Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil to give them a fiery kick that is characteristic of the region's cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Çiğ köfte, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) cooked ground meat (beef or lamb) 500g (1.1 lb) cooked ground meat (beef or lamb)
• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Liaoning-style chili oil 2 tablespoons Liaoning-style chili oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground meat, bulgur wheat, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, chili oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and salt.
2. 2.
   Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Use your hands to knead the mixture for a few minutes to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. 3.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
4. 4.
   Place the meatballs on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
5. 5.
   Serve the Liaoning-style Spicy Meatballs as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of fresh vegetables or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgur wheat — Make sure to use fine bulgur wheat for this recipe as it will absorb the flavors and moisture better than coarse bulgur.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add more Liaoning-style chili oil to the meatball mixture.
• Serve the meatballs with a cooling yogurt dip to balance out the heat.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Sichuan peppercorns used.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as a combination of beef and pork, for added flavor.
• These meatballs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Liaoning-style Spicy Meatballs as an appetizer with a side of fresh vegetables or flatbread. They can also be enjoyed as part of a main course with rice or noodles.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and drizzle some Liaoning-style chili oil on top for an attractive presentation. Serve with colorful vegetables or pickles to add visual appeal.