Ready in: 50 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 4 days in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer.
Quick Answer
The Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos combine flavorful meatballs tossed in a sweet and savory sauce, served on toasted rolls with fresh toppings.
As the cozy season unfolds here in New York City, my cravings shift towards heartwarming bites that celebrate warmth and spice, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or holiday parties. Today, I’m eager to share a delightful recipe for Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos that blends scrumptious flavors and festive flair!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously comforting and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings.
- Perfect for meal prepping and leftovers, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- A delightful blend of ginger and garlic that warms the soul.
Ingredients
This recipe features a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients that create unforgettable flavors.
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Assembly:
- Soft sandwich rolls or slider buns
- Sliced cucumbers
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How to Make Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos that are sure to wow your guests.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). I love the anticipation of the warm kitchen as the aroma of ginger and garlic fills the air.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. As you mix, the textures will meld together beautifully — you want a sticky but manageable mixture that holds its shape.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. I recommend checking their internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). You’ll know they’re done when they have a lovely golden hue and the kitchen is filled with their inviting aroma.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The sweet and savory combination of this sauce is what truly elevates these meatballs into something special!
Step 6: Toss With Sauce
Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the sauce. Make sure each meatball is thoroughly coated — this is where they truly come alive with flavor.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandos
Lightly toast your sandwich rolls or slider buns, then layer on the sliced cucumbers and fresh cilantro. Place a few meatballs on top, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. The crunch of the cucumbers paired with the tender meatballs is absolute perfection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meat: Be gentle when mixing the meatball mixture; overworking it can lead to tough meatballs.
- Not Measuring Ingredients: Accurate measurements, especially for the ginger and soy sauce, can make or break the flavor profile.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Letting meatballs briefly cool before tossing them in sauce helps keep them from falling apart.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Using Ground Chicken: While I prefer ground chicken for its lighter taste, you can also experiment with ground turkey or even a mix of meats for varied flavors.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat them right before serving.
- Add Spice: If you love a kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or the sauce!
Variations
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
- Add grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra veggies.
- Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki or barbecue, for unique flavors.
How to Serve
- Layer the meatballs on toasted sandwich rolls with sliced cucumbers and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with a side of dipping sauce to enhance flavor.
- Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Offer as sliders for easy serving at parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare meatballs and sauce separately; store in the fridge.
- Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Meatballs can be frozen for up to three months; thaw before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After several rounds of testing these Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos, I discovered the perfect balance of spice really makes these little bites shine. It’s a comforting dish that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart during this festive season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 meatballs · Serving Size: 2 meatballs
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~230 calories · 20g protein · 12g carbs · 12g fat
Hearty Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the sauce to coat.
- Lightly toast your sandwich rolls, layer on the sliced cucumbers and cilantro, and place meatballs on top.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide delicious results.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or the sauce.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.
