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a platter of chicken and scallion meatballs dipped in a chili-sesame sauce
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5 from 7 votes

Chicken and Scallion "Dumpling" Meatballs with Chili-Sesame Drizzle

Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 40 meatballs
Author: Alex Snodgrass

Ingredients

For the “Dumpling” Meatballs:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 pounds ground dark meat chicken
  • 1 cup finely minced scallions (from about 1 bundle)
  • 1/4 cup finely minced fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons Sichuan chili crisp, such as Fly By Jing
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
  • toasted sesame seeds, optional, for garnish

For the Sesame-Chili Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Sichuan chili crisp
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

  • Arrange the rack in the top position and preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the avocado oil on a large baking sheet and brush it to evenly coat the bottom of the baking sheet. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, scallions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chili crisp, tamari (or soy sauce), salt, white pepper, egg, and tapioca flour. Using your hands, mix until well combined. The chicken should be a paste-like consistency.
  • Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), scoop the meat mixture into small balls and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Using damp hands, roll the balls into clean, uniform meatballs. Leaving them a little jagged is okay too!
  • Transfer to the oven and bake until golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Make the Sesame-Chili Dipping Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, add the chili crisp, tamari, sesame oil, and honey. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.
  • To serve, arrange the meatballs on a platter and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, if using. Serve alongside the dipping sauce with some toothpicks. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.3mg