Thai Meatballs With Spicy Dipping Sauce

• Meatballs
• vegetable oil↗

  (for frying)

• ground pork↗1 lb
• large egg↗1

  lightly beaten

• cilantro1⁄2 cup
• lemongrass1

  stalk about 1/3 cup finely chopped lemongrass or 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• red jalapenos↗2

  seeded and finely chopped

• cornstarch↗2 tablespoons
• soy sauce↗1 tablespoon
• garlic1 tablespoon

  finely chopped

• brown sugar1 tablespoon

  packed

• salt↗
• Spicy Dipping Sauce
• rice vinegar↗1⁄2 cup

  unseasoned

• soy sauce↗2 tablespoons
• red jalapeno chiles, finely chopped↗2
• tablespoon finely chopped green onion1
• teaspoons packed brown sugar2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oil in fryer or medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. 2

   For Meatballs: With a light hand, combine pork, egg, cilantro, lemon grass, jalapeños, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, sugar and salt in medium bowl. Roll into 3/4-inch meatballs. Fry a few meatballs at a time until lightly browned and no longer pink in center. Drain on paper towels.

3. 3

   For Spicy Dipping Sauce: Combine vinegar, soy sauce, jalapeños, green onion and sugar in small bowl.

4. 4

   Serve warm meatballs with wooden picks and Spicy Dipping Sauce.

5. 5

   For Baked Meatballs: Preheat oven to 350°F Place meatballs on greased, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned and no longer pink in center.