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+ servings
Japanese Chicken Meatballs

Savory Japanese Chicken Meatballs: Easy, Authentic Delight

Delight in these Japanese Chicken Meatballs, a savory twist on comfort food, perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken Substitute with ground turkey or pork if desired.
  • 3 tablespoons Spring Onions Finely chopped; swap with chives or shallots if needed.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; use a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Fresh is preferable over powdered.
  • 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a safe option.
  • 5 leaves Shiso Leaves Optional; substitute with fresh basil or omit.
For the Teriyaki Glaze
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Tamari can be used for gluten-free.
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking Sake Can be replaced with dry white wine or mirin.
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar Adjust with brown sugar or honey if preferred.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Any neutral oil works well.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • frying pan
  • Skewers

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped spring onions, egg, grated ginger, and breadcrumbs. Knead the mixture until pale and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop the meat mixture and form into 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls, inserting skewers through the center.
  3. Heat the Oil and Cook the Meatballs: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Place meatballs in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown and cooked through.
  4. Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze: In the same pan, add soy sauce, cooking sake, and sugar, stirring and bringing to a boil until sugar dissolves.
  5. Baste and Glaze the Meatballs: Reduce heat to low and coat each meatball with the teriyaki glaze, cooking for an additional minute until the glaze thickens.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the meatballs from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Best enjoyed warm with steamed rice or cucumber salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These Japanese chicken meatballs are make-ahead friendly and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

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