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A meatball appetizer on a pick being dipped in a sweet/savory chili sauce.

Asian Pork Meatballs

These tiny Asian Pork Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer. They are juicy, tender and packed with your favorite Asian flavors of spicy chilies, ginger, garlic and herbs.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 50 Meatballs
Calories: 59kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 2 medium shallots
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves grated or minced
  • ¼ cup chopped Thai basil leaves
  • 4 birds eye chilies seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.  Coat the wire rack with no-stick oil spray and set aside.
  • Grate the shallots into a large mixing bowl, add the breadcrumbs and stir with a fork to combine and moisten the breadcrumbs.  Add the ground pork, lemongrass paste, ginger, garlic, Thai basil, chilies,  green onions, sugar, salt, and fish sauce.  Whisk the egg together to break it up, then pour into the bowl of ingredients. 
  • Mix the ingredients to combine, then using a small scoop or teaspoon shape into small meatballs about 1-½ inches in diameter.
  • Place the shaped meatballs on the wire rack and brush with the oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly browned. 
  • Serve immediately with your favorite Asian dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Grating the shallots allows their juice to absorb into the breadcrumbs for more flavor.
  • Lemongrass paste is packaged in a soft tube and can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores. If unable to locate the paste use fresh lemongrass, peel off the outer layer and grate only the white portion of the stalk.
  • For advance planning, mix and shape the meatballs and freeze them in a covered container. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving. 
  • These baked pork meatballs can be shaped into larger portions and served as a meal entree in a curry sauce with hot rice or noodles.
  • Serve with your favorite Asian sauce recipe, a spicy Thai peanut sauce or store-bought sweet chili sauce.  

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 59mg | Sugar: 1g