General Tsos Meatballs

General Tso’s Meatballs

This recipe brings the sweet and spicy flavors of General Tso’s chicken to delicious meatballs. You can bake them for a healthier option or pan-fry for a crispier exterior.

Ingredients:

• Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• General Tso’s Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts only)

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, panko, Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Pan-frying method: Heat a large skillet with oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease on paper towels.
5. Make the sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, heat oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
6. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, honey, and sriracha. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and cook for another minute, or until the sauce thickens.
8. Add the cooked meatballs, red bell pepper, and scallions to the sauce. Toss to coat and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

Tips:

• For softer meatballs, soak the panko breadcrumbs in a splash of milk for a few minutes before adding them to the meatball mixture.
• If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your desired spice level.
• Serve General Tso’s meatballs over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. You can also garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch.