Sweet & Sour Lamb Meatballs

Serving Size: 8 Appetizer Servings (about 32 meatballs)
Prep Time:
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground lamb
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely diced (about ½ cup)
1 large egg, beaten
3 scallions, white part only, finely chopped
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

3 scallions, green part only, sliced into thin rings
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.  Line a large baking sheet with foil, lightly oil or coat with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Combine the lamb, panko, bell pepper, egg, scallion whites, soy sauce, ginger and pepper in a large bowl and mix until ingredients are just combined. Shape the meat mixture into thirty two 3/4-inch balls.  Place on the prepared baking sheet and cook until lightly browned, 12 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whisk the Hoisin sauce, honey, vinegar, and ground ginger together in a large bowl until well combined.

4. When the meatballs come out of the oven, add them to the bowl and toss gently to combine. Place the meatballs on a serving platter with toothpicks and sprinkle with scallion greens and sesame seeds.

Note: Serve meatball appetizers with small cubes of fresh pineapple. Meatballs can also be served over whole wheat egg noodles with a side of sautéed vegetables (red bell pepper, snow peas, and cauliflower).