Asian-Inspired Meatballs and Spaghetti

This one is hot off the press from Eat Boutique blog. The creator, Denise Woodward, said she's been developing this recipe for a year. She finally nailed it by using pork instead of beef, chicken or turkey and even veal. The sesame seeds add crunch to the meatballs and the sauce is definitely umami with it's sweet, sour and spicy flavors. Soba noodles completes the meal.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• Meatball Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground pork
• 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2  tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1⁄2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
• 1  egg

• Sauce Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup white wine
• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1  tablespoon  grated fresh ginger
• 1 -2  teaspoon  sriracha asian  garlic sauce

• The Rest

•  safflower oil or   vegetable oil
• 1 (12 ounce) package  soba noodles

Directions

1. In a saucepan, over low heat, add the brown sugar, white wine and soy sauce. Stir and cook just until the sugar melts, about 2 minutes. Add the ginger and Sriracha; stir and continue to simmer over very low heat, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add all of the meatball ingredients. Using your hands, mix well. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
3. In a shallow frying pan, add about a 1/4 inch of safflower oil; heat until hot, about 2 minutes. Add the meatballs a few at a time. Brown each side. Remove to a paper towel. Repeat the process.
4. Once all the meatballs are browned, wipe out the excess oil from the frying pan with a paper towel (do not rinse or wash) and place the meatballs back into the pan. Pour the sauce over the top, and let simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Right before serving, cook the noodles according to the package direction. Drain. Toss with a teaspoon of safflower oil to prevent noodles from sticking.
6. Add the meatballs to the noodles. If the sauce is a bit thin, raise the heat and cook down a bit until it is thick. Pour over the noodles, gently toss.