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Asian Meatballs bring a delightful spin to your dinner table with juicy, flavorful meatballs seasoned with Chinese five spice, fresh garlic, and ginger. Served over saucy rice noodles, this dish combines sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors in a simple recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or an easy meal prep option.
I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight and was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. Now it is a go to meal when I want something comforting but different from the usual.
Ingredients
- Ground pork: provides juicy richness that holds the meatballs together well, choose fresh and lean for best results
- Chinese five spice powder: adds warm, complex flavors, look for a fresh jar with balanced cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and star anise notes
- Garlic: essential for savory depth, use fresh cloves and mince finely for even distribution
- Fresh ginger: gives a bright, zesty flavor, peel and grate just before use to keep its freshness
- Rice noodles: soft and light, they soak up the sauce beautifully, opt for medium thickness to maintain bite
- Soy sauce: low sodium preferred to control saltiness while adding umami
- Water: balances the sauce to achieve the perfect consistency
- Lime juice: injects fresh acidity that brightens the dish, freshly squeezed is best
- Brown sugar: brings a touch of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients
- Fish sauce: imparts umami depth and authentic Southeast Asian character
- Chili garlic sauce: supplies mild heat and a garlicky punch, adjust to taste
- Olive oil: used in the sauce for smoothness and a mild fruity note
- Green onions: fresh garnish adding crunch and a mild onion flavor
- Cilantro: optional garnish for a fresh herbaceous finish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture:
- In a bowl thoroughly combine ground pork, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Mix lightly to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender and juicy rather than dense.
- Shape and bake the meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into uniform 1 inch meatballs for even cooking. Arrange them spaced out on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Cook the rice noodles:
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the rice noodles following the package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking. Drain them well and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, water, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, chili garlic sauce, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the sauce:
- Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and warm over low heat for a few minutes. This melding step allows the flavors to harmonize beautifully.
- Toss noodles with sauce:
- Add the cooked rice noodles into the warm sauce and toss gently but thoroughly until all noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble the dish:
- Serve a generous portion of noodles on each plate topped with several meatballs. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy:
- This dish is best enjoyed warm, bringing together the juicy meatballs and saucy noodles in every bite.
My favorite ingredient here has to be the Chinese five spice powder. It adds such an aromatic and irresistibly warm complexity that transforms ordinary meatballs into something truly special, and one memorable dinner with family sparked conversations about traveling in Asia and exploring different cuisines.
Storage tips
Store leftover meatballs and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Meatballs keep well for up to four days while noodles are best eaten within two to maintain texture. To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in the oven or microwave and toss noodles with a splash of water before warming on the stove to refresh them.
Ingredient substitutions
Ground pork can be swapped with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option or ground beef for a heartier taste. If you can not find rice noodles, vermicelli or soba noodles can work but expect a different texture. For those avoiding fish sauce, a small amount of soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed flakes can mimic some umami.
Serving suggestions
Try serving these meatballs with a simple vegetable stir fry or a crunchy Asian style slaw to add freshness and balance. Pickled cucumbers or steamed greens like bok choy also provide a perfect contrast and complete the meal.
Serve warm and enjoy. Taste the sauce before mixing with noodles and adjust sweetness or spice to your preference.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of meat is used for the meatballs?
Ground pork is used for tender, flavorful meatballs, but ground chicken, turkey, or beef can be substituted as preferred.
- → How can I make the meatballs more tender?
Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the meat and keep them juicy and tender.
- → What noodles work best with these meatballs?
Rice noodles are ideal for soaking up the sauce and complementing the meatballs, but other Asian-style noodles can be used as well.
- → Can the sauce be adjusted for spice level?
Yes, the chili garlic sauce amount can be reduced for a milder flavor or increased for extra heat to suit your taste.
- → Is it possible to prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, the meatballs can be made in advance and reheated, making this dish convenient for meal prep or quick meals later in the week.