Asian-Style Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 2 pounds ground meat (beef, pork, turkey or a combo - see note)
• 1 cup panko or regular bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, white and green parts finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I use low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger (or ginger paste)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Zest from 1 lime (about a teaspoon)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper, more or less to taste (optional)

Sauce:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium)
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (see note)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, add the ground meat. Add all the other meatball ingredients and mix until well-combined (I just dig in there with my hands). Roll 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into meatballs and place 1/2-inch apart or so on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should read 165 degrees F in the middle of a meatball).
4. While the meatballs cook, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan and heat until simmering.
5. Using tongs or a spatula, remove the meatballs from the baking sheet onto a plate or tray. Drizzle the cooked meatballs with the warm sauce and garnish with additional green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the meatballs on their own or over brown rice, white rice, quinoa, etc.

Notes

If you want to change up the flavor a bit, use fish sauce instead of soy sauce in the meatball mixture. I've made these meatballs with a combination of ground pork and ground turkey and another time with 100% ground beef. All versions have been delicious.
Sweet chili sauce is pretty widely available in most grocery stores in the Asian-foods aisle (by the soy sauce). It is sweet and spicy; different brands may differ in flavor and spiciness (Mae Ploy is a popular brand). There are also lots of homemade versions online if you google a recipe.