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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
Keyword meatballs, turkey meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 8 meatballs
Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net

Equipment

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".
One serving = 3 meatballs  Weight Watchers 2025 points 5 per serving.