Thai Meatballs with Spicy Peanut Sauce
For the meatballs
1 1/2 pounds lean highquality ground beef
2 teaspoons finely minced ginger
1 red jalapeno or Fresno chile, seeded and finely minced about 2 teaspoons
1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced scallion
12 tablespoon finely minced lemongrass, or 12 teaspoon finely minced lemon zest
1 1/2 tablespoons minced cilantro
12 teaspoon salt
14 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon peanut, macadamia nut, or vegetable oil
To prepare the meatballs, thoroughly combine the beef, ginger, chile, scallion, lemongrass, cilantro, salt, pepper,
and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Divide the mixture evenly into 16 or 20 smaller balls. Heat the peanut oil in a
saute pan and cook the meatballs over mediumhigh heat, turning occasionally until browned on all sides, for 10
minutes for medium, or to desired doneness.
Divide the rice among serving plates, and top with the meatballs and sauce.
For the sauce
3 cups unsweetened coconut milk
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1 small onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup Thai red curry paste or less depending on taste
1 tablespoon minced lemongrass about 3 stalks
3 kaffir lime leaves or 1 teaspoon chopped lime zest
2 cups minced cilantro
1/3 cup finely minced basil
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water optional
To prepare the sauce, place the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion,
shallots, garlic, curry paste, lemongrass, lime leaves, cilantro, and basil in a large saucepan. While stirring, bring
just to a simmer over mediumlow heat; do not boil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Turn off the heat, adjust the seasonings, and strain before serving. If you wish a thicker consistency, combine
1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, stir to dissolve, and mix into the sauce until thoroughly
combined; continue to cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Source: CNN Food Central