Vietnamese Style Meatballs with Roasted Carrots and Cucumber

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We already did a meatball thing but these are a lot different and have like TWO different veggies!

• Serves 2-3 depending on your stomachs

• Skill level: 2

• Spice level: 1

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Here’s what you need to make the thing:

• 340g Ground Pork

• 3 large Carrots, trimmed, sliced lengthwise

• 1 English Cucumber, sliced lengthwise and cut into half-moons

• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced

• 1" Piece of Ginger, peeled and minced

• 1 Egg

• 1/4c Panko Bread Crumbs

• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder

• 1/4oz lime juice

• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar

• 1 tbsp Chili-Garlic Sauce

• 2 tsp Lemongrass/Turmeric Paste

• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce

• 1 tsp Cornstarch

• 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (divided)

• Olive Oil

• Black Pepper

• Kosher Salt

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Here’s how to make the thing:

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, 1 tbsp of the fish sauce, chili-garlic sauce, lemongrass/turmeric paste, brown sugar, lime juice, and cornstarch. Whisk to combine and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine garlic, ginger, pork, egg, panko, remaining fish sauce, onion powder. Salt and pepper to your desired taste.

3. Using your hands, mix to combine. (I added more panko during this phase to make the mixture form better.)

4. Form 12-16 meatballs, about 40g each, and place on a clean plate.

5. In a large skillet or wok, add 2-3 tsp olive oil and heat over medium-high.

6. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

7. When meatballs are done, reduce the heat to a low and add prepared sauce.

8. Cook for about 3-4 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and has coated the meatballs. Turn off the heat

For the carrots:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F

2. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet.

3. Place carrots on the sheet, flat sides facing up.

4. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

5. Rub oil, salt, and pepper all over the carrots.

6. Place in oven for 10-15, or until form tender.

7. Remove from oven.

Serve each plate with carrots, freshly cut cucumber, and the meatballs, drizzle some of the pan sauce over the meatballs and carrots if desired.

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