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Baked Ground Turkey Meatballs with Peanut Cilantro "Pesto"

Theses meatballs are loaded with so much flavor and seasoned with Asian spices and umami ingredients. They are quickly sauteed for a golden crust, then baked in the oven. The Crunchy Peanut Cilantro "Pesto" sauce elevates the flavor to even higher levels. I served these with butter lettuce-- though the would be equally good over rice.
Course Appetizer, main
Cuisine American, Asian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 8 meatballs
Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net

Equipment

  • Food processor with blade attachment
  • oven-proof skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 pounds ground turkey or ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger grated or minced
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 Tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari
  • 2 Tbsp fresh mint finely chopped
  • 4 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 lime wedges to serve
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground pepper to taste
  • Bibb lettuce separated, to serve (or rice)

For the Peanut Cilantro sauce:

  • 1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 1 clove garlic sliced (NOTE: use a small clove, if you don't want really strong garlic flavor)
  • 1 cup Cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425F
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey (or chicken), garlic, ginger, scallions, coriander, fish sauce, soy (or Tamari) sauce, mint and cilantro.
    Give the ingredient a gentle, but thorough stir, to combine.
  • For 8 meatballs and lightly season with salt and pepper.
  • Place a saute pan over medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Add the meatballs and sear on all sides until golden brown-- 2-3 minutes.
  • Place the skillet into the oven and bake the meatballs for 10 minutes.

For the Peanut Cilantro Sauce:

  • To the bowl of food processor, add the blade attachment. Add the peanuts, garlic and cilantro.
    Pulse until the mixture is combine and a coarse crumb. Add the olive oil over the top until just combined. (You want chunky texture)
  • Season with salt and pepper

To serve:

  • Place the meatballs on a plate. Add a spoonful of Peanut Cilantro sauce onto each meatball.
    Optional: Place a meatball on each Bibb lettuce cup.

Notes

Recipe source: Very slightly adapted from Michael Symon, as seen on the TV Show "The Good Dish".