Chinese Chicken Meatballs Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

If you're looking for a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer or main course, look no further than Chinese chicken meatballs. These delicious meatballs are packed with flavour and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

To make Chinese chicken meatballs, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, egg, sesame oil, soy sauce, and kosher salt. Once you've gathered your ingredients, you can begin preparing the meatballs by combining them in a large bowl and shaping them into balls. From there, you can bake the meatballs in the oven until they're golden brown and cooked through.

To take your Chinese chicken meatballs to the next level, consider serving them with a savoury sauce or glaze. Hoisin sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and teriyaki sauce are all great options that can add a delicious flavour to your meatballs. You can also experiment with different serving suggestions, such as serving the meatballs over rice or noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese chicken meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese chicken meatballs include ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, egg, sesame oil, soy sauce, and kosher salt.
• To elevate your Chinese chicken meatballs, consider serving them with a savoury sauce or glaze, and experiment with different serving suggestions.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese chicken meatballs, there are a few essential ingredients that you need to have on hand. These include a meatball base, flavour enhancers, and binding agents.

Meatball Base

The meatball base is the foundation of your meatballs and should be made up of ground chicken. If you prefer, you can also use ground turkey or a combination of the two. If you want to add some seafood to your meatballs, you can use shrimp or crab meat.

Flavour Enhancers

To give your meatballs a delicious Asian-inspired flavour, you'll need to add some seasonings and aromatics. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential, as they add a spicy, zesty flavour to the meatballs. You can also add some green onions to give the meatballs a fresh, oniony taste. Soy sauce is another key ingredient, as it adds a salty, umami flavour to the meatballs.

Binding Agents

To help hold your meatballs together, you'll need to add some binding agents. Eggs are a common binding agent used in meatballs, as they help to hold the mixture together. Breadcrumbs are another essential ingredient, as they absorb moisture and help to create a firm, cohesive texture. You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.

If you want to add some extra richness to your meatballs, you can also use sesame oil. This oil has a rich, nutty flavour that pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes.

These essential ingredients will help you create delicious Chinese chicken meatballs that are packed with flavour and easy to make.

Preparation Steps

Mixing Ingredients

To make the perfect Chinese chicken meatballs, you will need to mix your ingredients well. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, scallions, garlic, ginger, five spice, salt, eggs, panko, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together. It's easier to tell when the ingredients are combined when using hands. Do not overmix, as it will result in drier meatballs.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to the mix. Shrimp or crab meat can add a unique flavour to your meatballs. Simply chop the seafood and mix it in with the other ingredients.

Forming Meatballs

Once you have mixed your ingredients, it's time to form them into meatballs. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into balls. Make sure they are all the same size for even cooking.

Cooking Methods

There are a few different ways to cook your Chinese chicken meatballs. One popular method is to bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Another option is to fry them in a pan. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Regardless of how you choose to cook your meatballs, make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Preparing Chinese chicken meatballs is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. With a little bit of prep time, you can have a tasty and satisfying meal in no time.

Savoury Sauces and Glazes

If you're looking for a way to elevate your Chinese chicken meatballs, adding a savoury sauce or glaze is a great way to do it. Here are a few options to try:

Soy-Based Glaze

A soy-based glaze is a classic choice for Chinese chicken meatballs. To make this glaze, you'll need soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes, then whisk in the cornstarch until the mixture thickens. Brush the glaze onto your meatballs before baking or add it to a pan with your meatballs and let it simmer until the glaze thickens and coats the meatballs.

Sweet and Spicy Option

If you're looking for something with a little more kick, a sweet and spicy glaze is a great option. For this glaze, you'll need honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. Brush the glaze onto your meatballs before baking or add it to a pan with your meatballs and let it simmer until the glaze thickens and coats the meatballs.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding some seafood to your glaze. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to a soy-based glaze, while salmon or tuna would pair well with a sweet and spicy glaze. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly depending on the type of seafood you choose.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

Chinese chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. One of the most popular side dishes to serve with Chinese chicken meatballs is rice. You can opt for plain steamed rice, or add some flavour by cooking the rice with chicken broth or coconut milk. Fried rice is another great option that can add some texture and flavour to your meal.

If you want to add some veggies to your meal, consider making a stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. You can also serve the meatballs with some lo mein or noodles for a more filling meal.

Garnishing Tips

Garnishing your Chinese chicken meatballs can help to elevate the dish and add some extra flavour. One simple way to garnish your meatballs is by sprinkling some sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top. This will give your dish a nice crunch and some extra flavour.

Another way to garnish your meatballs is by adding some sauce on top. You can use the same hoisin glaze that you used to dip the meatballs, or try a different sauce like sweet chili or teriyaki.

If you want to add some seafood to your dish, consider adding some shrimp or scallops to your stir-fry. You can also add some crab meat to your fried rice for some extra protein and flavour.

There are many ways to serve and garnish your Chinese chicken meatballs to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Proper Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

After cooking your Chinese chicken meatballs, you should store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly refrigerated chicken meatballs can last up to four days. It is essential to ensure that the meatballs are completely cooled before refrigerating them to prevent bacterial growth.

Freezing

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the meatballs in advance, you can freeze them for later use. To freeze, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen Chinese chicken meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat Chinese chicken meatballs, you can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If using an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If using a stovetop, place the meatballs in a saucepan with a little bit of water or broth and heat over medium-low heat until heated through.

It is worth noting that Chinese chicken meatballs can be a bit dry when reheated. To prevent this, you can add a little bit of water or broth to the meatballs before reheating. If you want to add some variety to your Chinese chicken meatballs, you can also consider adding seafood such as shrimp or crab meat to the recipe. The addition of seafood can add a unique flavour and texture to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for a simple Chinese chicken meatball dish?

To make a simple Chinese chicken meatball dish, you will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, scallion, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt and pepper. You can also add in some water chestnuts to give the meatballs a nice crunch. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or crab meat.

How can one ensure that chicken meatballs remain tender and juicy?

To ensure that your chicken meatballs remain tender and juicy, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Overworking the meat can make it tough and dry. Also, be sure not to overcook the meatballs, as this can also make them dry and tough.

Could you suggest a sauce to complement Asian chicken meatballs?

A hoisin glaze is a great sauce to complement Asian chicken meatballs. To make the glaze, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can also add in some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.

What's the secret to making flavourful Vietnamese-style chicken meatballs?

The secret to making flavourful Vietnamese-style chicken meatballs is to use fish sauce. Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and adds a nice umami flavour to the meatballs. You can also add in some minced lemongrass and chopped cilantro to give the meatballs a fresh and aromatic flavour.

Is there a healthier version of Asian chicken meatballs?

Yes, there is a healthier version of Asian chicken meatballs. Instead of using breadcrumbs, you can use almond flour or coconut flour. You can also bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them. To add some seafood to the recipe, you can use chopped shrimp or crab meat.

What are the steps to cooking chicken meatballs in an air fryer?

To cook chicken meatballs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.