Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that transforms ordinary meatballs into an extraordinary culinary experience! These Lemongrass Meatball Lettuce Cups are about to become your new obsession, combining the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort of perfectly seasoned meatballs. Imagine biting into a delicate butter lettuce leaf wrapped around juicy, aromatic pork meatballs infused with fragrant lemongrass – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the bustling street markets of Thailand, all from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 stalks lemongrass, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Sliced cucumbers for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the lemongrass by trimming the tough outer layers and finely mincing the tender inner white part of the stalks using a sharp knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced lemongrass, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, fish sauce, and egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using wet hands, shape the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While meatballs are cooking, carefully separate and wash butter lettuce leaves, patting them dry with paper towels.
- Slice cucumbers into thin, diagonal pieces for garnish and accompaniment.
- Once meatballs are cooked, let them rest for 2-3 minutes to retain juices.
- Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter, and place 3-4 meatballs in each leaf.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and serve immediately while meatballs are warm.
Tips
- Lemongrass Technique: When preparing lemongrass, use only the tender white bottom part of the stalk. Remove the tough outer layers and finely mince to release maximum flavor.
- Meat Mixing Mastery: Use wet hands when mixing and shaping meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers and ensure a smooth, uniform shape.
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Lettuce Leaf Selection: Choose fresh, crisp butter lettuce leaves that are large enough to cradle the meatballs comfortably.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the meatballs are warm to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor combination.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together even more intensely.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 295kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
