Ginger, Garlic and Sesame Meatballs with Mint and Lime

These ginger, garlic and sesame grilled meatballs are flavor bombs full of mint, ginger, garlic, chilies, scallions, sesame and lime. Maybe the best part about them is that you can make them with almost any meat: ground turkey, pork, chicken, even salmon. I like to sear them in a grill pan or you can simply bake them on a sheet pat. 

They’re great in rice bowls and curry soups, but I really love them in salads like this with rice noodles, lettuce, thinly sliced or shaved veggies, fresh herbs and crushed peanuts. Finish with lime juice, sesame oil and sriracha and you’re good to go!

Ginger, Garlic and Sesame Meatballs

• 1.5 lbs ground pork/turkey or chicken 
• 2 tsp minced ginger⁣ 
• 1 tsp minced garlic⁣ 
• 1 tsp garlic chili paste or crushed red pepper⁣ 
• 1/2 tsp salt⁣ 
• 1/4 c chopped mint⁣ 
• 1/4 c chopped scallions⁣ 
• 1 tsp lime zest⁣ 
• 1 Tbs soy sauce⁣ 
• 1 Tbs sesame oil⁣ 
• 1/2 cup panko ⁣ 
• 1 egg⁣

Method

1. Mix all ingredients together (hands work best) until just combined. 
2. Let it rest for 30 minutes and then scoop into small meatballs. I use a 1 oz. ice cream scoop. 
3. Grill in an oiled grill pan about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or place meatballs on a lightly oiled sheet pan and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. The best way to test for doneness is to cut one in half - it shouldn’t be pink. Exact cooking time depends on the size of your balls. 
4. Squeeze lime juice on them and roll them lightly in toasted sesame seeds when they’re done.⁣ ⁣