Paleo Spicy Thai Mini Meatballs with Chile Kick

Total time55 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time20 min

4.7

(28)

Paleo Spicy Thai Mini Meatballs with Chile Kick

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Ingredients

6 servings

For the meatballs

1 lb ground pork
2 stalks lemongrass, tender inner core only, very finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
2 fresh red thai chiles, thinly sliced (seeds included for full heat)
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
Chef's tip
Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty; taste and adjust the seasoning.
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, finely chopped
3 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
Chef's tip
Regular bread crumbs are finer and less crunchy than panko. Use the same amount; coatings and toppings will be a bit denser and less crisp.
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ tsp white pepper
2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
Chef's tip
Avocado oil is neutral and handles high heat, making it a good all-purpose swap.
Chef's tip
Avocado oil is neutral and handles high heat, making it a good all-purpose swap.

For the dipping sauce

3 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same amount. Coconut sugar has a mild caramel flavor, and baked goods come out a little darker and slightly less sweet.
2 tbsp water
2 fresh red thai chiles, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced

For serving

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions

1
Make the dipping sauce: combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the sliced chiles and minced garlic, and set aside to cool to room temperature.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, sliced chiles, fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, cilantro, scallion greens, panko, beaten egg, and white pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined and uniform — do not overwork the mixture.

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