Forget everything you thought you knew about meatballs. These aren't your grandma's soggy spheres; these are bouncy, flavorful beef meatballs swimming in a tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive tamarind sauce. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned beef, infused with aromatic spices, and nestled in a rich, complex sauce that balances sweet and sour with a delightful depth of flavor. The secret? A clever combination of ingredients that creates meatballs with a surprisingly light and airy texture, resisting the common pitfalls of dense, heavy meatball preparations.
This recipe elevates the humble meatball to a culinary masterpiece, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering. We'll guide you through every step, from prepping the perfectly seasoned beef to creating that unforgettable tamarind sauce. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started with the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Meat grinder or food processor
- Pan
- Blender
Ingredients
- Sliced beef
- Beef tendon (optional)
- Salt
- Water
- Sugar powder
- Egg
- Crushed garlic
- Chopped basil
- Baking soda
- Fish sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Oil
- Vegetable oil
- Cold water
- Palm sugar
- Tamarind juice
- Garlic
- Pickled tomatoes
- Tomatoes
- Roasted chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Slice beef (and optionally add beef tendon).
- Grind the beef in a meat grinder or food processor. Add optional tendon.
- In the food processor/blender, combine the ground beef with salt, water, sugar powder, egg, crushed garlic, chopped basil, baking soda, fish sauce, oyster sauce, oil, vegetable oil, and cold water. Blend until smooth.
- Shape the ground beef mixture into meatballs.
Step 2. Make the Tamarind Sauce
- In a pan, combine water, palm sugar, salt, and tamarind juice. Add soaked garlic, pickled tomatoes, and tomatoes. Simmer until sticky.
- Add roasted chili powder to the tamarind sauce and mix well.
Step 3. Cook the Meatballs
- Boil water in a pot.
- Gently drop the meatballs into the boiling water and cook until done.
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a bowl of cold water.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the meatballs with the tamarind sauce. Enjoy!
Read more: Thai Beef Stew with Rice: A Melts-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
Tips
- These meatballs are bouncy and flavorful, made with pure beef.
- The tamarind sauce is sweet, spicy, and tangy – a perfect complement to the meatballs.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the beef with another type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work well, although the flavor profile will change slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
2. How can I make the meatballs extra bouncy?
Ensure your meat mixture isn't over-mixed, and gently handle the meatballs to avoid compressing them. A light hand is key!
3. What can I serve with these bouncy beef meatballs?
They're delicious served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. A simple side salad would complement the flavors beautifully.
These bouncy beef meatballs with tamarind sauce are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes. From the satisfyingly bouncy texture of the meatballs to the complex, sweet and sour sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!