Chicken meatballs with sesame

Chicken meatballs with sesame: A delicious snack for memorable moments

When it comes to dishes that bring smiles to the faces of loved ones, chicken meatballs with sesame are undoubtedly a winning choice. These small delights, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, are not only easy to prepare but also add a touch of exoticism to Sunday meals or gatherings with friends. The dish is perfect as a snack but can also be served as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or rice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Essential ingredients for chicken meatballs with sesame:
- 175 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2.5 cm ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 25 g almonds, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 4 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 120 ml peanut oil (or sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- salt and white pepper, ground
- fresh coriander leaves (or parsley), for garnish

Preparing the meatballs: Step by step

1. Preparing the mixture: Start by adding the chicken pieces, crushed garlic, grated ginger, egg white, and cornstarch into a blender. Process the ingredients until you get a smooth paste. This step is essential to achieve a fine texture and uniform flavor in the meatballs.

2. Adding aromatic ingredients: Add the chopped almonds, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the mixture in the blender. Process for a few more seconds to incorporate these ingredients. The almonds add a crunchy note and a delicious flavor that will elevate the dish to another level.

3. Shaping the meatballs: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. With wet hands, form 10-12 balls the size of a walnut. This trick with wet hands will help you avoid sticking. Roll each ball in sesame seeds so that they are evenly coated. The sesame seeds not only add an attractive appearance but also a distinct flavor.

4. Chilling the meatballs: Place the meatballs on a plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This step is important as it helps the meatballs keep their shape during cooking.

5. Cooking the meatballs: Heat a wok or a large, deep frying pan, adding the oil. When the oil is hot, fry the meatballs in batches, turning them regularly, until they are evenly browned. This process takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan so that the meatballs fry evenly.

6. Draining excess oil: After the meatballs are fried, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.

7. Preparing the sauce: While the meatballs are cooling, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix Hoisin sauce with sweet chili sauce and the remaining soy sauce. This sauce will add a sweet-spicy note, perfect for accompanying the meatballs.

8. Serving: Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled with the prepared sauce and garnished with fresh coriander or parsley leaves. This detail will not only add a fresh look to the dish but also provide a contrast of flavors.

Practical tips and variations:
- If you want to add a bit of spiciness, you can replace the sweet chili sauce with a spicier one or add a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the meatball mixture.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as cashews or pistachios, to achieve different flavors.
- The meatballs can also be served inside wraps or tortillas, along with fresh vegetables, for a complete meal.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken meatballs with sesame are an excellent choice, providing a rich source of protein from the chicken breast and almonds. Peanut oil brings healthy fatty acids, while ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving (depends on the amount of oil used for frying).

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey is a healthy and delicious alternative.
2. How can I make the meatballs healthier? You can bake the meatballs instead of frying them, using a spray oil to give them a crispy texture.
3. Can I freeze them? Yes, the meatballs can be frozen before frying. Make sure to portion them and place them in an airtight container.

Chicken meatballs with sesame are a versatile dish that can be adapted to your tastes. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, at a party, or as part of a family meal, they will surely bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Experiment and enjoy the flavors!

 Ingredients: 175 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 2.5 cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated 1 egg white 1 teaspoon of cornstarch 25 g almonds, peeled and coarsely chopped 4 tablespoons of sesame seeds 120 ml peanut oil (or sunflower oil) 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce 3 tablespoons of soy sauce salt white pepper, ground fresh coriander leaves (or parsley), for garnish

 Tags:  meatballs chicken susan radu popovici