Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, sliced green onion, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form the pork mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the pork balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve the Chinese five-spice pork balls hot, garnished with additional sliced green onion or sesame seeds, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 20 pork balls. Serves 4-6 as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for the ground pork.
- Tamari or coconut aminos can be substituted for the soy sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be substituted for the rice vinegar.
- Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be substituted for the cornstarch.
- Canola or vegetable oil can be substituted for the sesame oil.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add grated ginger or chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.
- Serve the pork balls with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce.
- Make the pork balls smaller and serve them as bite-sized appetizers.
- Use the pork mixture to make meatballs for a noodle soup or stir-fry dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the pork mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Wet your hands with water to prevent the pork mixture from sticking to your hands when forming the balls.
- For a crispier texture, broil the pork balls for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
- Leftover pork balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pork balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the pork balls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the pork balls on a platter and garnish with sliced green onion or sesame seeds. Serve with a dipping sauce on the side.
Garnishes:
Sliced green onion or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
- Serve the pork balls with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair the pork balls with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad.
- Serve the pork balls as an appetizer with other Chinese-inspired dishes, such as egg rolls or potstickers.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, cucumber salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork balls are too dry, add a splash of water or more beaten egg to the mixture.
- If the pork balls are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs or cornstarch to the mixture to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork balls to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with raw pork to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store leftover pork balls in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of five spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine: cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. It is often used to season meat dishes, such as roasted pork or duck.
Flavor profiles:
The Chinese five-spice powder adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the pork balls, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar add a savory and tangy note. The sesame oil and green onion add a nutty and fresh flavor, respectively.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Chinese five-spice pork balls as an appetizer or main dish, garnished with sliced green onion or sesame seeds. Serve with a dipping sauce on the side and pair with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Region: Chinese