General Tso's Meatballs
Try this General Tsos Meatballs recipe
Try this General Tsos Meatballs recipe
- 2 eggs
- salt and pepper
- sauce:
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- green onions
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 3 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp. red chili flakes
- 2 lb lean ground pork
- 1 tbsp. fresh ginger minced
- 1 bunch green onions (about 6-7 onions) chopped
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (sub in all oats for gf recipe.)
- 1/4 cup oats (i processed mine into flour in my food proce
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce (use tamari or gf soy sauce instead for
- 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. fresh ginger minced
- dried chili flakes
- Carbohydrate 1.03871405577957 g
- Cholesterol 21.8221453677419 mg
- Fat 5.44659004955914 g
- Fiber 0.0158941193120454 g
- Protein 5.38364719333871 g
- Saturated Fat 1.82388210477957 g
- Serving Size 1 1 meatball (35g)
- Sodium 26.3193104204301 mg
- Sugar 1.02281993646752 g
- Trans Fat 0.484216876056452 g
- Calories 76 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pork, ginger, onions, garlic, bread crumbs, oats, eggs, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Give the meal a good mixing (hands work best), but do not overwork it or you will have tough meatballs.
- Measure out 1 tablespoon-sized portions (I used a cookie scooper) and roll into balls. Place onto baking sheet (you may have to use more than one pan).
- Place tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are golden and cooked through (160F).
- While the meatballs are cooking, it is time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan add a bit of olive oil and place over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Mix together ½ cup chicken broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried chili flakes.
- Pour into pan and stir, bringing to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix the remaining ½ cup broth and cornstarch together, Pour into the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and garnish with green onions!
My Weeknight Hero: General Tso's Meatballs
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. My evenings are usually a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice pickups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. That’s why I’m constantly on the lookout for recipes that are both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor – recipes that feel like a treat, not a chore. Enter: these General Tso's Meatballs. They’re a game-changer, I tell you! They're the epitome of efficient cooking, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant-quality time commitment.
Forget takeout! These meatballs are surprisingly simple to make, and the results are unbelievably delicious. The sweet and savory General Tso’s sauce perfectly complements the tender, juicy pork meatballs. I love that I can whip up a batch on a weeknight and have a satisfying meal ready in under an hour. It’s become a staple in our house, and a genuine lifesaver on those crazy busy days. The best part? The kids adore them! Getting them to eat something other than pizza or mac and cheese is a victory in itself, and these meatballs are consistently a hit. The vibrant flavors and satisfying texture make it a complete meal, eliminating the need for extensive side dishes. I often serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or with a simple side salad, but they’re equally delicious on their own.
The recipe itself is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat – turkey or chicken would work beautifully. You can also adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more or less chili flakes depending on your taste. I've even adapted it to cater to dietary restrictions, swapping regular soy sauce for tamari and using oat flour instead of breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and ease of execution, making it a true weeknight winner. It's not just about speed and convenience; it's about creating a delicious, nourishing meal that the whole family can enjoy, even on the busiest of days. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Beyond the Weeknight: Don't limit these meatballs to just weeknight dinners! They are also perfect for game day, potlucks, or even a casual weekend brunch. The portability and ease of reheating make them an ideal option for meal prepping. I often make a double batch and freeze half for those days when time is truly of the essence. Simply thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave – they taste just as amazing as when they're freshly baked.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs: This ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and spice levels. Add a dash of hoisin sauce for an extra layer of umami.
- Make it ahead: The meatballs can be baked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving with the sauce.
In conclusion, these General Tso's Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they're a time-saving solution that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction. They're the perfect example of how delicious and healthy food doesn't have to take hours to prepare. So next time you’re staring down a busy weeknight, remember these flavorful little gems. They’ll be your new go-to for a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty dinner that the whole family will love.
