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To make savory sesame ginger chicken meatballs, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons ginger, minced - 2 tablespoons garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 egg, beaten - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) Each ingredient adds a unique flavor to the meatballs. Ground chicken is lean and tender. Breadcrumbs help hold everything together. Green onions add a fresh crunch. Ginger gives a warm spice, while garlic adds depth. Soy sauce brings saltiness, and sesame oil adds richness. Honey adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Always opt for fresh ginger and garlic for the best taste. Keep your ground chicken chilled until you mix it. This keeps the meatballs juicy and tender. Now that you have everything ready, you can start creating your delicious meatballs! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing the Ingredients Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Then, add 2 tablespoons of minced ginger and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds along with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, crack in 1 beaten egg and mix everything until well combined. Forming the Meatballs Now, it’s time to create the meatballs. Use your hands to scoop some of the mixture. Roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place each meatball on a plate as you shape them. This recipe should yield about 12-16 meatballs, depending on your size. Cooking the Meatballs Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes. Rotate them occasionally so they brown evenly. Check that each meatball reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they're fully cooked. When done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Ensuring Even Cooking To cook the meatballs evenly, ensure they are similar in size. This helps them cook at the same rate. Avoid overcrowding your skillet, as this can trap steam and prevent browning. Checking Internal Temperature Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball. It should read 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Draining Excess Oil After cooking, place the meatballs on a paper towel-lined plate. This will soak up any extra oil. It keeps the meatballs from becoming greasy, ensuring a tasty meal. To enhance the flavor, you can add more soy sauce or ginger. If you prefer a sweeter taste, mix in extra honey. For some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha. Taste the mixture before cooking to find the right balance for your palate. To keep the meatballs moist, do not overcook them. Monitor your cooking time closely. Also, using ground chicken with a bit of fat will help. Adding the beaten egg keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. A non-stick skillet works best for frying these meatballs. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. If you prefer, a cast iron skillet can give a nice sear and flavor. Just ensure it's well-seasoned to avoid sticking. You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients. A sturdy spoon or your hands will work well to mix everything. A meat thermometer is great for checking doneness. Lastly, have a spatula ready for flipping the meatballs as they cook. Pro Tips Chill the Mixture: Refrigerating the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming them helps to firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape and preventing them from falling apart while frying. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped cilantro or crushed red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile of your meatballs. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair these meatballs with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of sriracha for an extra kick of flavor. {{image_2}} Using Turkey or Beef You can replace ground chicken with turkey or beef. Turkey gives a leaner meatball, while beef adds rich flavor. Use the same amount, one pound, for best results. Gluten-Free Options For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes. This keeps the meatballs tasty and allows everyone to enjoy them. Adding Spices To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some five-spice powder. These spices can add warmth and depth to your meatballs. Experiment with your favorites! Serving Suggestions with Dipping Sauces Serve the meatballs with various dipping sauces. A soy sauce and honey mix works well. You can also try a spicy chili sauce or a sweet and sour sauce. Each option adds a fun twist to the meal. After you enjoy your sesame ginger chicken meatballs, store the leftovers properly. - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place the meatballs in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure your fridge is set to 40°F or lower to keep food safe. - Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until solid, then move them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them well is key. - Best Methods for Maintaining Texture: The best way to reheat meatballs is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps them moist and tasty. - Recommended Temperature for Reheating: Always reheat meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat and delicious. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and place them on a tray. Freeze them until firm, then transfer to a bag. When ready to cook, you can bake or fry them straight from the freezer. This saves time on busy days. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked? To check if the meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also cut one meatball in half. It should be no longer pink inside, and the juices should run clear. What can I serve with Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs? These meatballs pair well with rice or noodles. You could also serve them with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, try a side of soy sauce or a tangy dipping sauce. Caloric Breakdown One serving of these meatballs contains about 250 calories. This may vary based on serving size and cooking method. Macronutrient Overview Each serving has roughly: - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 12g These numbers can change with ingredient swaps. Where to find specialty ingredients? You can find soy sauce and sesame oil at most grocery stores. For fresh ginger and green onions, check the produce section. Asian markets are great for these ingredients at lower prices. What to look for when buying ground chicken? When buying ground chicken, choose packages that look fresh. The color should be pink, not gray. Check the sell-by date. If possible, buy organic for better quality meat. This blog post covered how to make tasty Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs. We reviewed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful cooking tips. You learned how to enhance flavors and make swaps for different diets. We also discussed storage methods for leftovers and answered common questions. In making these meatballs, you’ll enjoy a fun and rewarding cooking experience. You can customize the dish to suit your taste, and it’s perfect for family meals. Enjoy your cooking journey, and share your delicious creations!

Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs

Delicious and savory chicken meatballs infused with sesame and ginger flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the beaten egg to the mixture, and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
  • With your hands, form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  • Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, rotating them occasionally until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Once done, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve warm by drizzling extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra soy sauce or sesame seeds for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, ginger, meatballs, sesame