Balls fit for a King

 

Here’s a tasty little dish sure to please even the fussiest of eaters.  How you might ask?  A sweet little sauce called Teriyaki that will cast it’s spell upon even the humblest of meatballs or persnickety “royal” taste buds.  Our recipe is quick and easy, so let’s get cookin’!

Set your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  You’ll be placing this in the middle rack of your oven for even cooking.

For the Balls:

1lb Ground Beef (we use 10% lean)
1/2 cup Panko (we use finely smooshed Corn Flakes)
1/2 cup Water Chestnuts (finely chopped)
1 egg
2 Green onions (finely sliced)
2 Tablespoons teriyaki (recipe below)

Mix together well.  I recommend using your hands – your going to be rolling balls so might as well get your pinkies in there from the get go!  After you’ve mixed all the ingredients, start rolling approximately 2″ diameter meatballs and place evenly spaced on your baking sheet.  These will bake in the oven about 30 mins.  Take one out and cut in half, if it’s cooked thru remove the baking sheet, or add more time as needed.

Place the meatballs into a clean bowl and mix with some prepared teriyaki – enough to cover them in sweet glaze, perhaps 1/4 cups or so, add more as needed, and serve.  For a spicier glaze you can also reserve some of the teriyaki in a smaller bowl and add Sriracha sauce.  Mix well and use for dipping, if you dare…

For the ‘Yaki:

1 cup Soy Sauce
1 Cup Sake
1/2 Cup Mirin (found in the Asian product aisle of the grocery store)
1/8 Cup (4 Tablespoons) Sugar
1/8 Cup Honey
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic
1/2Teaspoon Granulated Onion
3 Tablespoons Corn Starch

In a small pot combine all ingredients and bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring often while heating and constantly as it boils, until it thickens.  Remove from heat and cool.  Store in your refrigerator.

So there you have it, dinner in about an hour and the only argument will be who has the most.

“Balls” cried the Queen, “If I had two, I would be King!”
And The King laughed because he had to!