Bola-Bola (Filipino Meatballs)
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups neutral oil
such as canola or vegetable, for frying
- Sweet chili sauce
for serving
- Cooked white rice
for serving, optional
Directions
- 1
Grate 1 small yellow onion (1/4 cup) on the large holes of a box grater into a large bowl. Peel and grate 1 medium carrot (3/4 cup) and 3 garlic cloves on the small holes of the box grater into the bowl. Add 1 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix together with your hands until evenly combined.
- 2
Scoop out the mixture in 2-tablespoon portions (about 22 meatballs) and roll between damp hands until a smooth ball forms. Place on a large plate.
- 3
Heat 2 cups neutral oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until 350ºF, about 8 minutes. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and/or paper towels. Fry 10 to 12 meatballs at a time: Using tongs, add to the hot oil and fry, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden-brown all over, 5 to 6 minutes total. Transfer to the rack or paper towels. Serve with sweet chili sauce alongside for dipping and cooked white rice if desired.
Bola-Bola (Filipino Meatballs)
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About this Recipe
Craving a taste of comforting Filipino flavors at home? These Bola-Bola (Filipino Meatballs) offer a savory and satisfying experience, perfect for introducing yourself to a beloved classic or revisiting a familiar favorite.
The magic lies in the carefully balanced blend of aromatic vegetables—onion, carrot, and garlic—combined with ground pork and a powerful trio of soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. This combination delivers a remarkably rich, umami-packed flavor, while the panko breadcrumbs and egg ensure each meatball remains incredibly tender and juicy, preventing any dryness.
When you bite into these Bola-Bola, you'll discover wonderfully tender and incredibly juicy pork meatballs, enveloped in a symphony of savory notes. The depth from the soy, fish, and oyster sauces creates a complex umami profile, subtly enhanced by the fresh, sweet undertones of carrot and onion. While the exterior achieves a delicate crispness from frying, the interior remains succulent and moist. They are comforting and deeply satisfying, offering a genuine taste of Filipino home cooking that's perfect on their own or with a simple accompaniment.
While the traditional recipe shines, you have options for personalizing your meal. If you prefer, experiment with the dipping sauce; while sweet chili sauce is classic, a different chili sauce or even a soy-vinegar dip can offer a new twist. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables to complement the richness of the meatballs and rice.
These savory pork meatballs are ideal for various occasions, whether you're serving them as a flavorful appetizer at a gathering or as the star of a family dinner. Present them warm alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice and a generous dish of sweet chili sauce for dipping, inviting everyone to enjoy.