Thai Pork Balls Recipe

Ground pork: The base of the recipe, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Fish sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the pork balls.

Soy sauce: Enhances the savory taste with a touch of saltiness.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the pork balls with a pungent, aromatic flavor.

Sugar: Balances the savory and salty elements with a hint of sweetness.

Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.

Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the pork balls to a golden brown.

When forming the pork balls, wet your hands slightly with water. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, allowing you to shape the balls more easily and uniformly.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a leaner option and will still provide a similar texture and flavor profile.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it will be less pungent.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar taste.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it will be less aromatic.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, which can add a unique twist.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous note similar to cilantro, though it lacks the citrusy undertones.

• green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor that can substitute well for green onions.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.

• To store your Thai pork balls, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange the cooled pork balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the pork balls are frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the pork balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date and contents. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the pork balls in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave on medium power, checking every 30 seconds until warmed to your liking.
• If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the pork balls in a skillet with a little vegetable oil over medium heat, turning occasionally until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.
• For a quick meal, you can also add the thawed pork balls directly to a soup or stir-fry, allowing them to heat through as the dish cooks.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method ensures the pork balls stay crispy on the outside while being juicy inside.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the pork balls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Turn them occasionally to ensure even heating. This should take about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the pork balls crispy and flavorful.

• Microwave Method: Place the pork balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. This is the quickest method but may slightly soften the exterior.

• Steaming Method: Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the pork balls in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through. This method keeps the pork balls moist and tender.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the pork balls.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ground pork with the other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar accurately.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Chopping board: Provides a surface for chopping the cilantro and green onions.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the cilantro and green onions finely.

• Frying pan: Used to fry the pork balls until they are golden brown and cooked through.

• Spatula: Useful for turning the pork balls in the frying pan to ensure they cook evenly.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried pork balls.

• Plate: For serving the hot pork balls once they are cooked and drained.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop cilantro and green onions ahead of time to save minutes during assembly.

Use a cookie scoop: This helps form evenly sized pork balls quickly and consistently.

Preheat the pan: Start heating the vegetable oil while forming the pork balls to cut down on waiting time.

Batch cooking: Fry multiple pork balls at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Minimize cleanup: Line a plate with paper towels before you start frying to streamline the draining process.