Craving a taste of authentic Thai street food? Look no further than Kaek, savory and succulent meatballs bursting with flavor. These aren't your average meatballs; Kaek boasts a unique texture and a complex blend of herbs and spices, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked meatballs, the aromatic perfume of lemongrass and galangal, all balanced by a hint of sweetness and a subtle kick of chili. This dish is incredibly versatile, delicious on its own or as a component in a larger meal.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade Kaek meatballs. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful meat mixture to achieving that perfect golden-brown sear. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this delicious taste of Thailand!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Mixing bowl
- Chopsticks
- Steamer
- Frying pan
- Sieve
Ingredients
- Fatty minced pork: 500 grams
- Shrimp meat: 300 grams
- Pepper: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 7-8 cloves
- Coriander: 3-4 cloves
- Flavoring powders: 3 teaspoons
- Salt: a pinch
- Sugar: 1/4 teaspoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Corn flour: 1 tablespoon
- Firm white tofu: 1 pack
- Vegetable oil
- Crispy flour: 6 tablespoons
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cold water
- Instant noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Meat Filling and Tofu
- Pound pepper, garlic, and coriander until fine.
- Mix minced pork with flavoring powders, salt, sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and corn flour until well combined.
- Finely chop or blend shrimp meat (300 grams).
- Combine half of the pork mixture with the shrimp meat. You can also mix all together.
- Cut firm white tofu into pieces large enough to stuff with the meat mixture.
- Use chopsticks to stuff the meat mixture into the tofu pieces.
Step 2. Steam and Prepare the Batter
- Steam the stuffed tofu for 20-30 minutes.
- Mix crispy flour, baking powder, and cold water to make a batter.
Step 3. Fry the Meatballs
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Coat the meatballs in the batter and deep fry until golden brown.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the meatballs with instant noodles.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- The recipe is easily adjustable. You can make smaller or larger meatballs.
- Using chopsticks to stuff the tofu helps the meat mixture stick better.
- Ensure the oil is very hot before frying the meatballs for a crispy, fluffy result.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the freezer.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the ground pork with another type of meat?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey work well as substitutes. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
2. What if I don't have all the listed herbs and spices?
Don't worry! The recipe is flexible. Use what you have available – even omitting a few won't ruin the dish. The core flavors will still shine through.
3. How can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Form the meatballs just before cooking for the best texture.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Kaek meatballs! This recipe is a fantastic introduction to the vibrant world of Thai street food, easily adaptable to your preferences. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!