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GENERAL TSO MEATBALLS

Ingredients

  • FOR THE MEATBALLS:
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 4 slices bread (insides only)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated or in tube
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • FOR THE SAUCE:
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated or in tube
  • 1 teaspoon McCormick crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
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General Tso Meatballs are a thing! Is it the meatballs or is it the sauce…I’m not sure I can answer…the meatballs are super tender and the sauce…sweet and spicy! You may never order General Tso Chicken as take-out any longer.

a bowl of General Tso Meatballs

I like the twist of using meatballs instead of the traditional fried chicken pieces. It’s definitely a healthier version. Once again, this recipe is super easy and quick to prepare…by the time you steam/cook rice…you will be ready for dinner…20 to 25 minutes tops!

In a bowl, pour in about 1/2 cup of the heavy whipping cream. Tear the bread into tiny pieces and place in bowl with cream. Add more cream if the mixture is too dry. Allow the bread to soak in the cream for at least 15 minutes.

Heat oven to 475 degrees…yes…I said that correctly! Add in the ginger, garlic, parsley, soy sauce and ground chicken to the bread mixture. Mix with hands to incorporate. The mixture may be a bit sticky…do not worry…this means the meatballs will be super tender.

Line a baking sheet with parchment and form meatballs…I used my hands…with the mixture being quite sticky…I would probably use an ice cream scoop or spoons the next time.

Place meatballs on parchment and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. I did roll mine as they were baking so as to brown all sides. I had to bake these in two batches.

General Tso Meatballs baking on a pan.

As the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the hoisin, soy sauce, orange marmalade, brown sugar and rice wine vinegar. Mix well. Love using Kikkoman brand Asian sauces.

  • a bottle of hoisin sauce
  • a bottle of soy sauce
  • a jar of orange marmalade for General Tso Meatballs
  • a box of Domino brown sugar
  • a bottle of rice wine vinegar for General Tso Meatballs

In a pan, heat up the sesame and olive oil. Add in the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. If you want more or less spice…alter the amount of red pepper flakes, accordingly. Allow to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring almost continuously.

Pour in the hoisin mixture. Whisk and allow to cook and thicken for about five minutes…whisk often. Turn heat off or to a very low setting. If the sauce seems too thick add the water.

As the meatballs finish baking, place in pan and coat with the sauce. You can definitely eat these General Tso Meatballs alone, and/or maybe even serve as an appetizer to your guests, or as a meal. I prepared mine as a meal with rice and steamed broccoli…you will definitely ENJOY!!! You can even serve up with a side of my Fried Rice.

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3 Comments

  1. I have made these 3 times now….love them! Only change I made was using the fiery sesame oil instead of the regular. First time that is all I had on hand but turned out great so did a repeat. Oh, and I also garnish with sesame seeds 🙂

    • Great Idea! Thank you for trying and liking my recipe!

  2. […] To serve, add cooked rice to a bowl and top with this fabulous Beef and Broccoli mixture. ENJOY! If you enjoy cooking your favorite take-out at home, try my General Tso Meatballs! […]

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