Bone-Crunching Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts
drained, 8 ounces
- 1 large egg
lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
green part only
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
- 1 garlic clove
minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Plum sauce
Directions
- 1
Cut enough water chestnut slices in half to make 60 pieces; set aside. Save remaining water chestnuts slices for another use.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the next 10 ingredients. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Divide into 60 portions and shape each portion around a water chestnut piece.
- 3
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large nonstick skillet, saute meatballs in oil in batches 5 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish.
- 4
Cover and bake 10-15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Serve with plum sauce.
Bone-Crunching Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Tired of bland, predictable meatballs? Prepare to meet your new favorite with these incredibly satisfying Bone-Crunching Meatballs, featuring a unique texture that will make them an instant hit. This recipe brings a delightful crunch to every bite, proving that meatballs can be anything but boring.
What makes these Bone-Crunching Meatballs truly stand out is the brilliant inclusion of water chestnuts, providing that distinctive, irresistible snap. This clever addition elevates an otherwise classic lean ground turkey base, complementing the vibrant notes of fresh ginger, fragrant cilantro, and bright lime zest, all harmonized by savory soy sauce. It's a combination designed for maximum flavor and textural intrigue.
Expect a savory and aromatic experience, where the lean ground turkey creates a light yet satisfying bite, beautifully contrasted by the crisp water chestnuts. Each meatball is packed with a medley of East Asian-inspired flavors—from the pungent garlic and ginger to the fresh zing of lime and green onions. You'll love the balance of savory, fresh, and slightly tangy notes, all enhanced by the satisfying "crunch." This recipe yields a generous five dozen meatballs, perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
Feel free to customize these Bone-Crunching Meatballs to your preference. While lean ground turkey is excellent, you could experiment with other ground meats. If you're out of fresh cilantro, a bit of fresh parsley can work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. You can also adjust the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix. For serving, while plum sauce is a perfect match, a sweet chili sauce or even a spicy peanut sauce would also complement their flavor beautifully.
These versatile meatballs are ideal for appetizers at a party, a unique addition to a buffet, or even as a flavorful component in a main course. Serve them warm with a side of your favorite plum sauce for dipping, perhaps alongside some steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.