Meet your new favorite appetizer: Chili Crisp Peanut Meatballs! Imagine ground beef, spiced up with chili crisp, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Then, these little flavor bombs are pan-fried to crispy perfection and served on skewers. So easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress.
First, let’s talk chili crisp. If you haven’t met this spicy, crunchy delight yet, you’re in for a treat. Chili crisp is a magical condiment from the land of all things delicious: China. It’s a sizzling mix of chili peppers, oil, and crispy bits of fried garlic and onion. Also, some versions throw in peanuts and sesame seeds, making every bite a texture adventure. This stuff is so good, that it makes Ketchup jealous. It’s the star ingredients in these Chili Crisp Peanut Meatballs.
Chili crisp has skyrocketed in popularity recently. Why? Because it goes with everything. Seriously, everything. Toss it on noodles, drizzle it on ice cream (yes, ice cream!), or, as I did, mix it into meatballs. Consequently, it’s spicy, savory, and adds a satisfying crunch. Basically, it’s the condiment you didn’t know you needed.
Use this recipe for other dishes!
Now, these Chili Crisp Peanut Meatballs are already stars on their own. But what if we told you this recipe can shine in other ways too? So, here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Taco Time: Stuff them into soft tortillas, add some pickled veggies, and drizzle with lime crema. Taco Tuesday just got a serious upgrade.
- Rice Bowl Bliss: Pile them onto a bed of fluffy rice. Then sprinkle with extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Instant gourmet lunch.
- Pasta Party: Toss them in a spicy marinara sauce, serve over spaghetti, and top with shaved Parmesan. Italian-Asian fusion? Yes, please!
- Salad Superstar: Mix them into a crisp salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing. Healthy meets indulgent.
- Slider Sensation: Pop them into mini buns, add some slaw, and you’ve got yourself a killer slider.
Alternatively, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this recipe. So, amp up your meatball game and whip up these Chili Crisp Peanut Meatballs. Why? Because they’re versatile, flavorful, and just plain fun. Enjoy the spice ride!
Chili Crisp Peanut Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cocktail peanuts
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2-3 tablespoons chili crisp
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup peanut oil
Instructions
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Mix the chopped meat, peanuts, breadcrumbs, cilantro, and chili crisp.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Form balls out of the mixture.
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place a layer of paper towels by the stove.
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Heat the peanut oil in a pan.
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Fry the balls in portions turning them all around.
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Transfer to the paper towels and gently pat off the excess oil.
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Transfer to a platter, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve.
Like these Chili Crisp Peanut Meatballs? Also, check out some of these other recipes:
GRUYERE-STUFFED WALNUT MEATBALLS
PAN-FRIED POTATOES WITH SAGE
