Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce

Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of meatballs with the crisp freshness of iceberg lettuce and the sweet heat of chilli sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Taiwanese cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Meatballs are a popular dish in Taiwan, often served as a snack or appetizer. By wrapping the meatballs in lettuce leaves and serving them with sweet chilli sauce, this recipe puts a unique twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients

350 g minced beef
1 tbsp fresh root ginger, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
25 g chopped coriander
1 large spring onion, chopped
2 tbsp rice wine
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 fresh red chilli, chopped
1 egg yolk
1 iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce, to serve

How to prepare

Place the beef, ginger, garlic, coriander, spring onion, rice wine, pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, sugar, chilli, and egg yolk in a bowl.
Mix the ingredients together and shape them into small meatballs.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or saucepan.
Fry the meatballs in batches until they are cooked through and browned.
Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and drain them on kitchen paper.
Wrap each meatball in an iceberg lettuce leaf, securing it with a toothpick, and serve either with sweet chilli sauce or coconut noodles.

Variations

Use ground pork or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the meatball mixture for added crunch.
Drizzle the meatballs with hoisin sauce or sriracha for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the ingredients for the meatballs thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Fry the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to steam instead of brown.

- Use a toothpick to secure the lettuce leaves around the meatballs for easy serving and eating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs with a side of coconut noodles or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Mix the meatball ingredients by hand to ensure that they are well combined.

- Fry the meatballs in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

- Use a wok or saucepan for frying for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

- Replace the fresh chilli with chilli flakes for a milder heat.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- Cook the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meatballs on a platter with lettuce leaves and toothpicks for easy serving. - Garnish with chopped coriander or sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and eggs.

Summary

Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Taiwanese-style Meatballs with Iceberg Lettuce and Sweet Chilli Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to Taiwan where I had feasted on the most delicious Taiwanese-style meatballs with iceberg lettuce and sweet chilli sauce. I was determined to recreate the dish at home, so I set out to find the perfect recipe.

I started by asking my friends and family if they knew how to make Taiwanese-style meatballs, but no one had a clue. Undeterred, I turned to the internet and searched for recipes online. After hours of browsing through various websites, I finally stumbled upon a blog written by a Taiwanese chef who shared his secret recipe for the perfect meatballs.

The ingredients were simple enough – ground pork, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few other seasonings. The key, according to the chef, was to mix the ingredients together gently and form them into small meatballs before steaming them to perfection. I followed the recipe to the letter, and when I took my first bite of the tender, flavorful meatballs, I knew I had hit the jackpot.

But the dish wasn't complete without the iceberg lettuce and sweet chilli sauce. I had never made sweet chilli sauce before, but I was determined to give it a try. I found a recipe online that called for red chillies, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. I blended the ingredients together until they formed a smooth, spicy sauce that perfectly complemented the savory meatballs.

As for the iceberg lettuce, I had always been a fan of its crisp, refreshing taste. I washed the leaves and shredded them into bite-sized pieces, creating the perfect bed for the meatballs and sweet chilli sauce to rest upon.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends. I hosted a dinner party and served my Taiwanese-style meatballs with iceberg lettuce and sweet chilli sauce as the main course. The dish was a hit, and everyone raved about how delicious and authentic it tasted.

Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. I love making it for special occasions, family gatherings, or just as a simple weeknight meal. The flavors remind me of my trip to Taiwan and the warm memories I made there.

I am grateful for the Taiwanese chef who shared his recipe with the world, allowing me to bring a taste of Taiwan into my own home. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am constantly on the lookout for new recipes to try and share with my loved ones.

As I continue to experiment in the kitchen and learn new techniques, I am reminded of the joy that cooking brings me. It's not just about nourishing the body, but also nourishing the soul and creating lasting memories with those we love.

So the next time you're in the mood for something exotic and delicious, why not give my Taiwanese-style meatballs with iceberg lettuce and sweet chilli sauce a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. Bon appétit!