Vietnamese Turkey Meatballs and Noodles

Lean, flavorful meatballs in a spicy, light broth with noodles & greens. Lots of Vietnamese flavor, but without all the calories!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 5  tablespoons water
• 1  lb lean ground turkey
• 5  bulbs green onions, finely minced
• 5  tablespoons fish sauce, divided
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1  teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  serrano pepper, minced
• 8  ounces  ramen noodles or 8  ounces  rice noodles or 8  ounces  vermicelli, cooked
• 1⁄2 head green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1⁄4 bunch cilantro, torn into small pieces

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 5 tablespoons water and cook over high heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until enough liquid evaporates and a syrup forms. Remove from the heat.
2. Combine the turkey, green onions, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, syrup, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix very well so all ingredients are incorporated in the meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. In a small bowl, make a sauce by combining 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, garlic and serrano pepper. Set aside.
4. When done marinating, shape the turkey meat into 12 meatball patties. Turn on the broiler, place on patties a sprayed pan and broil for 5 minutes. Flip the patties over, and broil for a further 5 minutes (You want a bit of charring on both sides).
5. Spoon the reserved sauce into four bowls, then place the pork patties over the sauce. Place the noodles next to the patties, and finally place the lettuce and cilantro in the bowl. Serve.