Asian Meatballs With Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 4 scallions, coarsely chopped (green and parts)
• fresh ginger (2-inch piece peeled and grated or finely chopped)
• 1/4 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
• 1 serrano peppers or 1 jalapepano chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce, such as tamari
• 1/3 cup dark soy sauce, such as tamari
• 2 -3 tablespoons cilantro leaves
• 2 limes (zest and juice of 2 limes)
• 1 lb ground sirloin
• 3 -4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Recipe

• 1 in the bowl of a food processor, combine the scallions, half of the ginger, the bell pepper, half of the chile pepper, the garlic, the 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, the cilantro leaves and the lime zest. pulse for 30 seconds, scrape down the bowl and process 1 minute more, or until finely ground. add the meat and process until well combined, about 30 seconds more. roll the meat into 24 balls the size of walnuts.
• 2 preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. add the meatballs and don't move them until they are brown on 1 side, about 2 minutes. turn the meatballs and continue to cook, browning them on all sides, until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more.
• 3 while the meatballs cook, make the dipping sauce. in a bowl, combine the remaining ginger and chile pepper, the 1/3 cup of soy sauce, the lime juice, the sesame oil, the honey and a splash of water. taste and adjust the seasoning; if it's too salty, add another drizzle of honey. place the finished meatballs on a serving platter, with toothpicks on the side. serve with the spicy lime dipping sauce.
• 4 note: i've made these without the bell pepper, chile and cilantro and they are still flavorful and delicious.