Crispy meatballs with glass noodles

 

A meatball consists mainly of ground meat, salt, pepper, and/or other spices rolled into a ball that can be baked, fried, sautéed, or boiled. It is remarkable how different countries produce meatball dishes and how adaptable they are.

Meatballs vary from location to region in terms of marinating, shape, type of ground meat, and even type of flour to use.The first meatball recipe I learned after getting married was Kota Belud's meatballs.  My hubby is from the town of Kota Belud. 

I'll never forget the first Chinese New Year after being married. Fried meatballs were being served on the table at a different family gathering for the first three days of the new year. When I first had this meatball, I really enjoyed it. A single mouthful contains the flavours of taro and minced red onion. 

But today I am going to share another version meatballs. I am using glass noodles to replace the taro. This meatballs contain glass noodles inside and outside  of them. The meatballs are not coated  with breadcrumbs, flour, or an egg-and-milk mixture, the glass noodles will help give the exterior of the meatballs some texture and crispiness. 

These pork meatballs are incredibly delicious, simple to make, and family friendly. To kick it up a level for the adults, I suggest using sweet chili sauce.  This homemade sweet and sour chili sauce is incredibly simple to make, it tastes better when you make it. Serve it with spring rolls, fried chicken, mushrooms, or any deep-fried foods. 

This crispy meatballs with glass noodles are easy to prepare and make the ideal party appetizers. You will be amazed if you have not tasted it.

INGREDIENTS (for meatballs)

800g ground pork

80g glass noodles (mixed into ground pork)

20g glass noodles (for serving)

1 head garlic

5 red onions

1 tsp white peppercorns

3 cilantro roots

4 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp sugar

4 tbsp cornstarch

1 egg

1 stalk coriander leaves

INGREDIENTS (sweet chili sauce)

3 red chilies, cut into small pieces

2 bird eyes chili (optionl)

5 cloves garlic

½ cup sugar

40ml water

90ml white vinegar

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp cornstarch 

2 tbsp water

METHODS

1. Let the glass noodles soak for 10 minutes at room temperature. cut into 2-inch lengths after being drained, then dried with paper towels.

2. Pounded the white peppercorns and cilantro roots into a paste. Red onions and garlic were processed in a food processor.

3. Combine the prepared ingredients from step (2) with the ground pork in a large mixing bowl.  Add in the soften glass noodles, sugar, egg, cornstarch, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and coriander leaves. Stir the mixture with a pair of chopsticks for a few minutes, or until the mixture thickens and all the ingredients are combined. 

4. Shape meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Trim off the glass noodles from the outside of the meatball if it is too long. The meatballs will be smoother and will not stick to your hands if you dip your hands in water.

7. Add enough cooking oil to a well heated deep bottom wok, fry the glass noodles until they expand and fluff up. Remove the fried glass noodles and transfer to a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. 

8. Use, the same wok to fry the meatballs.  Gently drop the meatballs into the hot oil one at a time. Keep the meatballs evenly spaced apart to avoid overcrowding the pan. They should be fried in heated oil to firm up for 15 to 20 seconds while being carefully stirred to prevent sticking. Fry them in the oil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Take the fried meatballs out and place them on a paper towel to absorb any leftover oil.

9. To prepare the sweet chili sauce. Garlic, water, white vinegar and chilies should be blended until there are no visible larger chunks. Transfer to a large saucepan. Add in salt and sugar.  Stir well until the sugar  dissolves. Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes. Ready the starchy water with 1 ½ tsp of cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water. Add to the chili sauce mixture while stirring and heating to a boil. Remove from heat, taste it, and make any necessary spice adjustments.

10. Place the fried meatballs on top of the fried noodles.  ENJOY it with the homemade sweet and sour chili sauce.                 

Hope you find this guide useful and enjoy these fried meatballs to the fullest!!