Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns, crushed
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 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.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, Szechuan peppercorns, chili paste, ginger, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the pork balls for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 20 pork balls
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of pork.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Red pepper flakes can be used instead of chili paste.
Variations:
- Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch.
- Use ground chicken instead of pork for a lighter version.
- Make mini pork balls and serve as appetizers.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized pork balls.
- Wet your hands before forming the pork balls to prevent sticking.
- Make sure the pork balls are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover pork balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the pork balls on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pork balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg rolls
- Wontons
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork balls are too dry, add a tablespoon of water or soy sauce to the mixture.
- If the pork balls are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork balls are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Szechuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of Szechuan peppercorns, which have a unique numbing effect on the tongue.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and slightly numbing from the Szechuan peppercorns.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer.
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Region: Chinese