Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon red chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 pound lean ground chicken (or ground turkey)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 green onions, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
• ½ cup finely diced cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Broccoli:

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets

For Serving:

• Coconut rice or brown rice
• Scallions
• Cilantro
• Chopped roasted peanuts

Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, sesame seeds, red chili paste, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and arrowroot starch.

2. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, cayenne, salt, and pepper with clean hands.
   • Form the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Brown the meatballs on all sides and cook until done, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take about 10-12 minutes. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.

4. Cook the Broccoli:

   • Wipe the skillet clean and add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil.
   • Add broccoli florets and cook, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes until tender but still crisp, and slightly charred.

5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

   • Return meatballs to the pan with broccoli.
   • Pour the sauce over the meatballs and broccoli. Simmer on low until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-5 minutes.

6. Serve:

   • Serve over coconut rice or brown rice.
   • Top with scallions, cilantro, and chopped roasted peanuts if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful meal!