Pork and Lemongrass Meatballs in Lettuce Cups

Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
12%
Pork and Lemongrass Meatballs in Lettuce Cups
90 min.
4
412kcal

Suggestions


Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with an exotic twist? Introducing Pork and Lemongrass Meatballs in Lettuce Cups – a delightful dish that harmonizes bold flavors and fresh ingredients, all while being gluten-free and dairy-free! This recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen, making it perfect for a family lunch, a sophisticated main course, or a cozy dinner with friends.

Imagine savory ground pork combined with aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and fresh cilantro, all rolled into delicious meatballs that are pan-seared to perfection. Each succulent bite bursts with flavor and pairs beautifully with crispy butter lettuce cups. These cups not only add a wonderful crunch but also serve as a healthy alternative to traditional wraps, giving you a light and refreshing meal.

The accompanying dipping sauce, a tantalizing blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and a hint of spice from the Thai chiles, adds an irresistible zing that will keep your taste buds dancing. With just 90 minutes to prepare and cook, this dish promises a culinary adventure without the hassle.

Gather your loved ones around for an interactive dining experience where everyone can customize their lettuce wraps to their liking. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

  • head boston lettuce separated
  • tablespoons coarsely carrot grated
  • 0.3 cup fish sauce 
  • tablespoons cilantro leaves fresh chopped
  •  garlic cloves chopped
  • teaspoons brown sugar packed ()
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper white
  • pound ground pork 
  •  lemongrass stalk 
  • 0.3 cup juice of lime fresh
  • small persian cucumber thinly sliced
  • teaspoons serrano chile green with seeds minced
  • 0.3 cup shallots chopped
  • teaspoon sugar 
  • tablespoons vegetable oil 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • whisk
  • rolling pin

Directions

  1. Chill pork in freezer while making lemongrass paste.
  2. Combine lemongrass, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining ingredients in processor; pulse until paste forms.
  3. Add chilled pork; pulse to blend. Shape into 24 balls (each about 1 tablespoonful).
  4. Place on rimmed baking sheet. Cover; chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
  5. Cut bottom 3 inches from lemongrass. Smash with rolling pin, then mince. Measure 1 tablespoon and place in small bowl (reserve the rest for another use).
  6. Add lime juice, fish sauce, cilantro, carrot, sugar, and chile to bowl; whisk until sugar dissolves.
  7. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  8. Add meatballs; brown until cooked through, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes.
  9. Transfer to 1 side of large platter.
  10. Arrange lettuce leaves and cucumber on platter with meatballs. Allow guests to place meatballs in leaves, garnish with cucumber, and drizzle dipping sauce over.
  11. Per serving: 389 calories, 27 g fat, 1 g fiber
  12. Bon Appétit

Nutrition Facts

Calories412kcal
Protein20.5%
Fat67.5%
Carbs12%

Properties

Glycemic Index
52.23
Glycemic Load
1.68
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
19.990434750267%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.33mg
Hesperetin
1.36mg
Naringenin
0.06mg
Luteolin
0.05mg
Kaempferol
0.05mg
Myricetin
0.03mg
Quercetin
1.5mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:411.95kcal
20.6%
Fat:31.01g
47.7%
Saturated Fat:9.99g
62.44%
Carbohydrates:12.4g
4.13%
Net Carbohydrates:11g
4%
Sugar:7.85g
8.73%
Cholesterol:81.65mg
27.22%
Sodium:1212.99mg
52.74%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:21.19g
42.38%
Vitamin B1:0.88mg
58.73%
Vitamin K:58.45µg
55.67%
Vitamin A:2658.2IU
53.16%
Selenium:29.99µg
42.84%
Vitamin B6:0.62mg
31.23%
Vitamin B3:5.58mg
27.92%
Phosphorus:234.54mg
23.45%
Vitamin B2:0.32mg
18.78%
Zinc:2.78mg
18.5%
Potassium:600.53mg
17.16%
Magnesium:61.24mg
15.31%
Manganese:0.29mg
14.61%
Vitamin B12:0.86µg
14.39%
Folate:53.16µg
13.29%
Vitamin C:9.98mg
12.1%
Iron:2.07mg
11.53%
Vitamin B5:0.97mg
9.72%
Calcium:56.44mg
5.64%
Fiber:1.4g
5.61%
Copper:0.1mg
5.24%
Vitamin E:0.74mg
4.9%
Source:Epicurious