Japanese Style Meatballs

How to make Japanese Style Meatballs.

Ingredients: Makes 12 Meatballs

For the teriyaki sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon ginger juice, made by squeezing out fresh, grated ginger

For the meatballs:

• 12 ounces ground chicken
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup Japanese panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying
• finely chopped green onion, for garnish
• 2 lemon wedges, for garnish

Method:

1. To make the teriyaki sauce, gently heat the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar and ginger juice in a small saucepan.
2. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes then turn off the heat.
4. Combine the ground chicken with the salt, pepper and green onion.
5. Add the egg and panko breadcrumbs and stir everything to combine.
6. Form 2-inch patties or balls and set them on a plate.
7. Heat the oil in a 12-inch frying pan on high heat for 2 minutes.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-high.
9. Add the meatballs to the pan and fry, until the bottoms are golden brown, for about 3 minutes.
10. Turn the meatballs over and fry on the other side, for another 2 to 3 minutes.
11. Continue to fry until all the sides are browned, about 2 minutes longer.
12. Take the meatballs out of the pan.
13. Wipe the frying pan with paper towels to remove the excess oil.
14. Return the meatballs to the heated pan and pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs.
15. Lower the heat and coat the meatballs in the sauce, until the meatballs are cooked through, about 1 more minute.
16. Most of the sauce will have been absorbed by the meatballs.
17. Serve and enjoy!