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Asian meatballs inside slow cooker.
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Asian meatballs recipe

Tender, succulent and full of Asian flavors, these meatballs are always a hit.
Course Dinner, lunch
Cuisine Asian
Keyword Asian meatballs, ground beef recipes, meatballs
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 20 servings
Calories 158kcal
Author Victor

Ingredients

Meatball ingredients (see notes)

  • 2 lbs ground beef (also can use pork, or beef/pork combination)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (or Thai basil, regular basil, cilantro, etc.)

Asian sauce ingredients

  • 1 cup water chestnuts (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 cup hoisin sauce (or plum sauce)
  • 1/4 cup garlic chili sauce (or to taste, see notes)
  • 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the rest of the meatball ingredients.
    Asian meatball ingredients unmixed in a bowl.
  • Mix the meat mixture until all ingredients are incorporated.
    Mixed meat in a bowl.
  • Shape into 1 1/2" balls, ending up with about 20 meatballs.
    Shaped meatballs on a piece of parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the water chestnuts, green onions, garlic and ginger in a bow and mix well. 
  • In a separate bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, garlic chili sauce and soy sauce.
  • Layer the meatballs, water chestnut mixture and sauce mixture alternately in a slow cooker until all of the ingredients are used. 
    Raw meatballs in a slow cooker layered with sauce, green onions and water chestnuts.
  • Cook on High for 2 hours (Low for 4-6 hours) stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Reduce the heat to low and serve when ready. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired and use the pot juices as a dipping sauce.

Notes

To make this recipe even easier, you may use precooked, frozen meatballs. Cooking time will not be affected. If you use uncooked pre-made frozen meatballs, increase cooking time by 30 minutes.
1/4 cup of garlic chili sauce will give you mild spiciness and will be good for most people. 1/2 a cup will result in moderate spiciness. Increase to 3/4 - 1 cup if you like really spicy food.