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scallion meatballs with soy ginger glaze

published January 3, 2018 · 3 min read

scallion meatballs with soy ginger glaze — image 1

Every now and then I’ll make a meal that is a complete knockout. THIS IS THAT MEAL. I had a feeling it was going to be good when I smelled the meatball mix. Then when the meatballs came out of the oven and I dipped one in the sauce? Home run. I was sitting on the couch eating and pronounced myself a culinary genius to my dad. He didn’t disagree.

I printed out this recipe from Smitten Kitchen probably a week ago. But it wasn’t until the last day of my vacation that I finally got around to making it. Thankfully, I had already cleaned out the fridge, freezer, and the rest of my cabinets so I knew I only needed to pick up two ingredients to make this happen. I think I am ending this vacation with 8 bags of trash. It’s embarrassing – and great.

The meal itself is pretty easy to make. It comes down to three components: balls, rice, and sauce. Each on their own is pretty easy to handle and could be done several days in advance. I wasn’t timing myself but I think I did this all in one hour. The key is just doing all the steps in an efficient order… and having a rice cooker.

scallion meatballs with soy ginger glaze — image 2

scallion meatballs with soy ginger glaze — image 3

Here’s how it goes:

Make meatballs:

  1. Combine turkey, scallions, cilantro, egg, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl. 
  2. The mixture will be very wet and loose. Add in panko flakes or bread crumbs until you get it to a slightly more stable shape. You need to be able to roll them into little balls. I think I added about 3/4 cup. 
  3. Place the meatballs on a foil lined pan
  4. Bake in a 375F for about 25 minutes. The time will vary based on how big you made your balls.

Make sauce: 

  1. While your meatballs are baking, you can make your sauce.
  2. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar melts completely. 
  3. Reduce heat to a medium-low and add soy sauce, ginger, and coriander. 
  4. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 20 minutes.

Make rice:

  1. Use a rice cooker. End of story.
  2. Combine the rice with a shredded carrot.

Shopping List

Sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup soy sauce, preferably Japanese or reduced sodium

1 Tbsp minced ginger (I used half and it tasted like plenty to me; adjust to your preference)

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Meatballs

1 pound ground turkey

6 scallions, finely chopped

Half bunch cilantro, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1 large egg

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup panko or bread crumbs

Rice

1 carrot, freshly grated (or buy shredded at the store)

Rice