Pork Shumai Meatballs

 Pork Shumai Meatballs with Ponzu Sauce, Jasmine Rice and Sugar Snap Peas

Rice:

3/4 cup Jasmine rice

1 1/2 cups water

Meatballs:

2 green onions, thinly sliced on an angle

14 ounces ground pork

2 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 Tbsp Lite soy sauce

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tsp white rice flour

Pinch Pepper

1 tsp olive oil

Ponzu Sauce

Sugar Snap Peas:

1 tsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

5 oz fresh sugar snap peas, washed and patted dry

1 green onion, thinly sliced on an angle

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Pinch Kosher salt

Red Pepper Flakes, if desired

Make the rice.  I use a Rice Cooker, so just place the rice and water in it, put the lid on it and turn it on.  Otherwise, cook it the way you would normally cook your rice.

Preheat the oven to 400^F.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with cooking spray.  Set aside.

Make the meatballs:  Combine the green onions (reserve a few for garnish, if desired), pork, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, white rice flour and a pinch of pepper until well mixed.  Form into 8 golf-ball sized meatballs.  Heat olive oil in a medium-non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add meatballs to hot pan and cook until well browned on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side.  Transfer the meatballs to the baking sheet and bake until an internal temperature of 160^F (8-10 minutes).

For the Sugar Snap Peas:  Wipe the skillet you used for the meatballs and return to medium heat.  Add olive oil to the hot pan.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.  Add sugar snap peas, green onions, and sesame oil and cook until tender and lightly charred (4-5 minutes).  Season with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes if desired.

Place a serving of rice in the center of a plate or shallow bowl.  Add sugar snap peas and meatballs to either side.  Drizzle Ponzu sauce over meatballs (or serve on the side for dipping).  Garnish with reserved green onions.

Easy, fast and very tasty!  Recipe from Home Chef.  CW 1-14-17