Spicy Thai Meatballs in Lettuce Cups
Gluten free and breaded, these Spicy Thai Meatballs in lettuce cups with fresh herbs are a healthy appetizer that's bursting with flavour. This citrusy ponzu sauce is a must!
Servings 48 meatballs
Ingredients
CILANTRO PONZU SAUCE
- 2 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 tablespoon cooking 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
- 1½ 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 make many jobs in the kitchen quick and easy. Buy some, you'll never regret it!
GF Breadcrumbs - Substitute with cornmeal or gluten free cornflake breading.
