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5.0 from 6 votes

Lemon Chicken Meatballs

Steamed lemon chicken meatballs are succulent and juicy, coated with a thick lemon cilantro sauce seasoned with zesty, spicy Asian flavors.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Freeze Time
15 mins
Total Time
42 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 298 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 oz water chestnuts diced
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (dark preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 lemon zest of half
Lemon Sauce
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice (1 large lemon)
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped (lightly packed)
  • 1/2 lemon peeled and diced (optional)

Instructions

Chicken Meatballs
    Cup of Yum
  1. Place ground chicken in a bowl and add the Panko breadcrumbs, water chestnuts, cilantro, egg, oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger paste, Chinese Five Spice, white pepper and lemon zest. Using your hands to incorporate and mix well.
  2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the meatball mixture.
  3. Roll or scoop mixture into 12-16 meatballs. Transfer to a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add 1/3 cup water, bring to a boil, cover and lower heat to simmer. Steam the meatballs for 10 minutes (water should almost completely evaporate; add more as needed). Remove from skillet and transfer to platter. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Lemon Sauce
  1. Place the juice from a large lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons), chicken stock, cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and white pepper in a saucepan. Whisk together over medium heat until thickened.
  2. Stir in the diced lemon pieces (optional) and pour the sauce over the meatballs. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition Information

Serving 4meatballs Calories 298kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 139mg (46%) Sodium 877mg (37%) Potassium 831mg (24%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 158IU (3%) Vitamin C 37mg (41%) Calcium 65mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 298

% Daily Value*

Serving 4meatballs
Calories 298kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 139mg 46%
Sodium 877mg 37%
Potassium 831mg 18%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 158IU 3%
Vitamin C 37mg 41%
Calcium 65mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.