Hoisin Glazed Meatballs

When it comes to entertaining (and sometimes feeding the family), appetizers are the foreplay of the meal. They also hold guests over till the main dish is ready to serve.

One of my favorite appetizers are cocktail meatballs. Petite orbs of goodness that are savory and tickle the palette. I have several recipes of meatballs but the one that stands out from friends and family is this:

Hoisin Glazed Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork
1 cup fresh shitake mushroom, chopped
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, grated
1 onion, finely chopped
hoisin sauce for glazing & dipping

Tip: Choose a whole pork shoulder and have the butcher in the grocery ground it for you instead of buying ground pork. This way you have control of what part of the meat is in the mix.

Easy peasy:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shitake mushroom, carrots, egg, onion and garlic. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs, forming about 18-20 meatballs.
Step 3:  Using a brush, glaze the tops of the meatballs with hoisin sauce
Step 4: Place meatballs onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, or until all sides are browned and meatballs are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve meatballs immediately with hoisin sauce on the side for dipping

Try it this weekend and serve it during family lunch. I guarantee you, these golden meatballs will be a hit! Scratch that, you will be a hit!

Happy weekend!