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A platter of spicy Thai meatballs in lettuce cups garnished with fresh mint leaves and a dish of cilantro ponzu sauce on the side.

Spicy Thai Meatballs in Lettuce Cups

These spicy meatballs look pretty served in lettuce cups and garnished with fresh herbs. That makes these a healthy way to serve meatballs and they'll be a hit at any party.
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: thai
Keyword: Spicy Thai Meatballs in Lettuce Cups
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Assembling the platter: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 48 meatballs
Author: Cinde Little

Ingredients

CILANTRO PONZU SAUCE

  • 2 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoon orange juice
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Asian chile sauce (I use sambal oelek)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger root, finely minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

SPICY THAI MEATBALLS

  • lb ground pork (680 g)
  • 2 green onions, finely minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced orange zest
  • ¼ cup gluten free soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Asian chile sauce (I use sambal oelek)

FINISHING

  • ¾ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 1-2 heads living lettuce, separated into cups
  • fresh mint, Thai basil and/or cilantro (use all 3 if you can)

Instructions

CILANTRO PONZU SAUCE

  • In a glass measuring cup or jar combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use. Can be prepared a day in advance.

MEATBALLS

  • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a baking rack on top. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine pork, onion, garlic, orange zest, soy sauce and chile sauce. Mix thoroughly.
  • Use a ½ inch metal portion scoop to shape meatballs.
  • Roll each meatball in gluten free breadcrumbs. Place on prepared baking sheet. Can be done several hours in advance and refrigerated.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. When ready turn the setting to broil.
  • Place the baking sheet of meatballs on the second rack under the broiler. Cook for 6-8 minutes without turning. If they brown too quickly place them on a lower rack until cooked through.

FINISHING

  • Line a platter with lettuce leaves breaking large leaves into two.
  • Skewer 1 or 2 meatballs (on a short skewer if desired) and place in a lettuce cup along with some cilantro, Thai basil and mint. Put extra meatballs around the platter until you have a look you like.
  • Serve with Cilantro Ponzu Sauce.

Notes

Metal portion scoops ensure your meatballs are the same size so they will cook evenly. They make many jobs in the kitchen quick and easy. I have 3 sizes to use for everything from muffins to meatballs. Buy them, you'll never regret it!
GF Breadcrumbs - I sometimes use the cornflake breading from my recipe for Gluten Free Breading for Chicken.