These meatballs make a fun dinner bowl that everyone will love. First of all, all the ingredients are easily sourced at a well stocked

grocery store – no need to go to a specialty store.  Second, the recipe comes together easily once everything is prepped. I would

recommend doing most of the work the night before as the meatballs and dressing  develop more flavor the longer they are

marinated. Above all, the kids will love them and its a healthy dish with lots of vegetables. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut with

dinner, so it is always good to try something new. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!

All you have to do is mix the ingredients – you can do it the night before.

While they are baking, make the sauce, prep the rice noodles and wash and chop the vegetables……

                   Everyone will have fun assembling their bowls…..

spoon sauce over everything and enjoy. YUM!

Recipe

FOR THE MEATBALLS

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp light brown sugar
• 1 red thai chili pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts, divided  1/4 cup, +2-3 tbsp for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced in a press
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• pinch of white pepper and salt
• 1 tbsp lemongrass paste or finely minced fresh lemongrass
• 1 tbsp grated ginger

FOR THE DRESSING

• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
• 1 red thai chilli minced, seeded if you want less heat
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced in a press

FOR BASE OF BOWL

• 4-5 oz thin rice noodles, prepped as per package directions
• 1 head red leaf or bibb lettuce
• 1 cup beansprouts
• 1 carrot, 1 daikon radish, peeled and julienned
• few tbsp sliced scallions
• sliced seeded thai chilis, about 2-3 tbsp
• sprigs of cilantro or mint
• handful of pea shoots or other micro greens

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. Mix all ingredients and allow flavors to combine for 15 minutes in refrigerator  or overnight
2. Rinse hands with cool water and make 12 meatballs and flatten
3. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment and bake until brown and caramelized 25-30 mins
4. While the pork meatballs  are roasting in the  oven, prep vegetables and make rice noodles
5. Combine all ingredients to make the sauce
6. Assemble as pictured in shallow bowls and spoon dressing over noodles, meat and veggies

VARIATIONS

-Feel free to serve with steamed Jasmine rice- you can substitute the dressing with sweet chili sauce

-We have also tried them in lettuce cups the white or brown rice for an even healthier option

-Also, they are tasty simmered in broth and ramen noodles the next day

-Double or triple the recipe, bake and store in freezer bags for a quick meal when pressed for time