Szechuan Braised Meatballs

Submitted by Kitchen__Princess

"Found this one online from Eating Well. I am putting here so i can locate it again quickly."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 12 meatballs
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93%-lean)
• 1 (5 ounce) can water chestnuts, rinsed and finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, divided
• 1⁄2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
• 4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1⁄4 cup szechuan sauce
• 4 cups napa cabbage, shredded
• 1 (15 ounce) can straw mushrooms, rinsed
• 2 scallions, sliced (optional)

directions

1. Gently mix beef, water chestnuts, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, five-spice powder and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Shape the mixture into 12 balls (use about 2 tablespoons each to make 1 1/2-inch meatballs).
2. Whisk broth and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet or nonstick wok over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning once, until brown, about 3 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 15 to 30 seconds.
5. Add the reserved broth mixture, Szechuan sauce, cabbage and mushrooms; cook, stirring, until the cabbage is just wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to a simmer, return the meatballs to the pan, cover and cook until the sauce is thickened and the meatballs are cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with scallions (if using).