Chinese American Style Meatballs

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the Lithuanian kukuliai are transformed into Chinese American Style Meatballs by incorporating traditional Chinese American ingredients and flavors. The original recipe is modified by adding garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to infuse the meatballs with a distinct Asian taste. The cooking technique is also altered by pan-frying the meatballs instead of boiling them, resulting in a crispy exterior. The sauce is enhanced with additional Chinese American flavors, creating a unique fusion dish. We alse have the original recipe for Kukuliai, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the sauce: For the sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 19g, 5g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, chopped green onions, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch.
5. 5.
   Return the meatballs to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through.
6. 6.
   Serve the Chinese American Style Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.
• Hoisin sauce — Look for hoisin sauce in the Asian section of your local grocery store. If unavailable, you can make a homemade version by combining soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• To save time, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the sauce mixture.
• Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main course with steamed rice or noodles.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Style Meatballs as a main course with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete and visually appealing dish.