2000s Recipes + Menus

Chicken and Cilantro Bites

Makesabout 30 hors d’oeuvres
  • Active time:35 min
  • Start to finish:35 min
May 2005
This appetizer is our Asian take on the meatball.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned)
  • 1 lb ground chicken (not breast meat)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • Stir together soy and vinegar in a bowl for dipping sauce.
  • Stir together chicken, egg, cilantro, scallions, sesame oil, and salt with a fork until just blended.
  • Spread cornstarch in a shallow baking pan. With wet hands form chicken mixture into 1-inch balls, transferring them to baking pan as formed. Wash and dry your hands, then gently roll balls in cornstarch until coated. (Balls will be soft.)
  • Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook half of balls, turning over occasionally, until firm and golden (they will flatten slightly), 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Add remaining 1/4 cup oil to skillet and cook remaining balls in same manner. Serve meatballs with dipping sauce.
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