Healthy and Delicious Asian Meatballs

I have always loved meatballs.  I guess being Italian, that’s a given!  But as I tried to make foods healthier for my family, I hit a wall!  I wanted to make my meatballs with a healthier meat than ground beef but I don’t care for the taste of ground turkey.  My solution – half ground turkey, half ground chicken.

Asian Meatballs – makes about 35 meatballs depending on size

1 lb. ground turkey, low-fat

1 lb. ground chicken, low-fat

1/3 c bread crumbs (I used Progresso Parmesan Breadcrumbs)

1/4 c fresh ginger, finely minced

8 fresh green onions, minced

1/2 t Chinese Five Spice

olive oil

1/4 c tamari or soy sauce

1/4 c chicken stock

1 t corn starch

1 T Thai chili and garlic sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, turkey, ginger, green onions, Five Spice, garlic, and breadcrumbs.  Mix well and only until combined or the meatballs will be tough.  Portion out using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon.  Brown on all sides in a skillet with olive oil.  When all the meatballs are browned, transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 or higher.

In a small bowl, combine the tamari, chicken stock, chili sauce, and cornstarch.  Whisk to combine.   Transfer the meatballs back to the skillet they were browned in and pour the sauce over the meatballs.  Heat until the sauce thickens slightly.  Top with the green part of the onions and serve with a salad or as an appetizer.

OPTIONAL:  You can also add water chestnuts.