Oriental Meat Balls with Rice

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors.

History

The origins of Oriental Meat Balls with Rice can be traced back to traditional Chinese cuisine, where meatballs are a popular dish served with rice or noodles. Over time, this recipe has been adapted and modified to suit different tastes and preferences, resulting in a variety of versions that are enjoyed around the world.

Ingredients

2 slices of bread
1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of dry mustard
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
1 egg
3 tbsp of cornstarch
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
0.5 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of vinegar
0.5 cup of dry sherry
0.25 cup of soy sauce
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Moisten the bread with water and squeeze it dry. Combine it with the meat, salt, mustard, ginger, garlic powder, and egg in a medium bowl; mix well. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll them in cornstarch.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are brown on all sides. Pour off any excess fat.
In a small bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, sherry, soy sauce, and 0.25 cup of water. Pour this mixture over the meatballs. Simmer, basting occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are glazed. Serve them over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute ground pork or chicken for the beef for a different flavor.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the meatball mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to squeeze the bread dry before combining it with the meat to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soggy.

- Rolling the meatballs in cornstarch before cooking helps to create a crispy outer layer and prevents them from sticking to the pan.

- Basting the meatballs with the sauce while simmering helps to infuse them with flavor and creates a glossy glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oriental Meat Balls with Rice with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb the flavors and become tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use breadcrumbs instead of bread slices for a quicker and easier preparation.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oriental Meat Balls with Rice in a large serving dish garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oriental Meat Balls with Rice with a glass of dry white wine or green tea for a refreshing and complementary beverage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oriental Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oriental Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oriental Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Oriental Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (bread) and soy (soy sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its flavorful meatballs and sweet and tangy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lily's house. Her mother, Mrs. Chang, was in the kitchen preparing a feast of Oriental dishes. The fragrant smells wafting from the kitchen were tantalizing, and I couldn't wait to see what she was cooking up.

As I peeked over Mrs. Chang's shoulder, I saw her working on a batch of meatballs that looked unlike any I had ever seen before. They were small and perfectly round, with a rich brown glaze that glistened in the light. Mrs. Chang noticed my curiosity and smiled warmly, inviting me to join her in the kitchen.

"Would you like to learn how to make Oriental meatballs?" she asked, her voice soft and melodious. I eagerly nodded, and she handed me a bowl filled with ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a secret blend of spices that made my mouth water.

Mrs. Chang patiently guided me through the process of shaping the meatballs, showing me how to roll them between my palms until they were smooth and uniform. She then demonstrated how to fry them in a hot skillet until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still tender and juicy on the inside.

As the meatballs sizzled in the pan, Mrs. Chang prepared a pot of fluffy white rice to serve alongside them. She explained that the rice would soak up the savory sauce and provide the perfect balance to the rich flavors of the meatballs.

Once the meatballs were cooked to perfection, Mrs. Chang placed them on a platter and drizzled them with a sticky-sweet glaze made from hoisin sauce, honey, and a touch of sesame oil. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a beloved favorite in my own home.

Mrs. Chang graciously shared the recipe with me, writing it down on a faded index card that I tucked away in my recipe box for safekeeping. Over the years, I would revisit that card time and time again, each time marveling at the simple yet elegant combination of flavors that made these Oriental meatballs so special.

As I made the recipe for my own family, I added my own twists and tweaks, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it my own. Sometimes I would substitute ground chicken for the pork, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Each variation was met with rave reviews from my loved ones, who eagerly devoured every last meatball with gusto.

I soon became known among my friends and family as the "Oriental meatball lady," and I was more than happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked. I loved seeing the joy on their faces as they took their first bite, their eyes widening in surprise at the explosion of flavors that filled their mouths.

As the years passed, I continued to make Oriental meatballs for special occasions, always thinking fondly of Mrs. Chang and the day she introduced me to this magical recipe. It became a tradition in our family, a dish that was passed down from generation to generation, each cook putting their own spin on it while still honoring the original flavors that made it so beloved.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down this story for posterity, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood my mind. The laughter and chatter in Mrs. Chang's kitchen, the smell of sizzling meatballs filling the air, the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones – all of these moments are etched forever in my heart, a testament to the enduring power of good food and good company.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a recipe that will wow your friends and family, look no further than these Oriental meatballs with rice. They may have humble beginnings, but I can assure you that they will bring a little taste of magic to your table, just as they have to mine for so many years. Enjoy!