Chinese American Style Cheesy Meatballs

Ingredients

In this Chinese American adaptation of Pallotte cacio e uova, we incorporate Chinese American spices and flavors to create a unique twist. The traditional Italian meatballs are stuffed with cheese and cooked in a sauce that combines elements of Chinese American cuisine, resulting in a fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds. We alse have the original recipe for Pallotte cacio e uova, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Chinese five-spice powder, ginger powder, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center and shape the meat mixture into a ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. 5.
   Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Serve the Chinese American Style Cheesy Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Use a combination of beef and pork for a flavorful and juicy meatball.
• Chinese five-spice powder — This aromatic spice blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It adds a unique flavor to the meatballs.
• Hoisin sauce — This thick and savory sauce is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and adds a rich and slightly sweet taste to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry.
• Serve the meatballs with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Customize the recipe by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the sauce.
• Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze the extras for future meals.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Style Cheesy Meatballs as a main course dish accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for an appetizing presentation. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles.