Asian Meatballs With Rice Noodles

Engrossed's Note:

Submitted for RSC #9. This whole recipe was a new experience for me...I was so happy it worked out! I made it as a last effort for the contest after 2 failed recipes. I knew what fresh Asian flavors I liked together so that is what inspired the meatballs. I was impressed with how flavorful they turned out! They did end up a little hot so feel free to cut down on the peppers. I loved the rice noodles so much that they will be come a regular quick meal in my home. I love the suggestions from reviewers to bake the meatballs. Why didn't I think of that? I do think the sesame oil is a very important flavor enhancer for the noodles. Thanks to everyone who tried this for the contest!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 16.0 meatballs

Meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 white onion, minced (about 1/2 cup-3/4 cup)
• 1 egg
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons flour

Noodles

• 1 (6 ounce) package vermicelli rice noodles, rinsed in cold water (also called rice stix)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 fresh carrots, peeled and then peeled into strips
• 1 bunch green onion, cut into 1 inch sticks
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
• soy sauce, to serve
• chili oil, to serve
• lime wedge, to serve

Directions:

1. Combine meatball ingredients in a large bowl, mix well. Form 1-1 1/2" meatballs.
2. Place meatballs in a large 12" skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium high heat until browned all over and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside. Drain grease.
3. Rinse rice noodles in cold water until they go slightly soft. Set aside.
4. Cut green onions into 1 inch strips. Peel carrots and then use your peeler to peel down the rest of the carrots to make long thin strips. Chop Cilantro.
5. Heat sesame oil in the meatball skillet over medium high heat. Add vegetables and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the carrots go limp.
6. Add beef broth and rice noodles, bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring the noodles until the broth is all absorbed and the noodles are soft.
7. Push the noodles to the center of the pan and place the meatballs around the edges. Heat for another 3 minutes until the meatballs are hot.
8. Serve with soy sauce, chili oil and fresh lime wedges if desired.

Reviews

[gluten_free_mommy_cook]

I had really high hopes for this recipe. I omitted the cilantro and chili flakes due to picky kids and per other reviews I baked the meatballs. That being said I got 24 meatballs. This turned out kinda bland, prob due to the omitted spices. I wil try this again and attempt to spice it up more.
*Note: serve IMMEDIATELY or the noodles get gummy.

[Dorie's Lori]

Whole family really enjoyed this! I used ground turkey and chicken broth, and added lots more of the aromatics, 'cuz we like our stuff highly seasoned. It took awhile for the noodles to start softening in cold water; next time, I'll use hot. But, the noodle cooking method was easy, and they came out great. Next time, I might try adding the carrots and green onions when I add the noodles, for a crisper presentation. This dish feels very healthy, plus it was easy enough, and I'll certainly use it in the future!

[Bittersweetened]

This was a very nice dish. We omitted the cilantro due to personal preference, but other than that followed the recipe. We liked how the meatballs had a slight kick due to the pepper flakes. Thanks for posting!