Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos are a flavorful twist on traditional meatball sandwiches, featuring tender chicken meatballs infused with ginger and garlic, nestled in a soft bun with a tangy and savory sauce. These sandwiches are both comforting and satisfying, offering a balance of Asian-inspired flavors and familiar sandwich goodness. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos are sure to become a new favorite for lunch or dinner, whether enjoyed at home or packed for a picnic.
Recipe: Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos
Ingredients:
For the Ginger Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Assembling:
- Soft sandwich buns or rolls
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Sliced cucumbers
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ginger Chicken Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Sandos:
- Split the sandwich buns or rolls horizontally. Toast them lightly if desired.
- Spread a layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a few lettuce leaves on top of the sauce.
- Arrange the cooked ginger chicken meatballs on the lettuce leaves.
- Top with sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle additional sauce over the meatballs and vegetables.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish.
- Serve:
- Close the sandwiches with the top half of the buns.
- Serve the Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos immediately, accompanied by extra sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve the meatballs and vegetables over a bed of mixed greens or in a wrap instead of a sandwich bun.
- Customize the sandwiches by adding sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or pickled vegetables for additional texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground chicken if preferred.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the meatballs, such as cilantro, lemongrass, or chili paste, for a variation in flavor.
Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos are a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and classic sandwich comfort, making them a delicious choice for any mealtime occasion. Enjoy the savory ginger chicken meatballs nestled in a soft bun with crunchy vegetables and a flavorful sauce!