Title: Spicy Thai Meatballs with Crispy Noodles
Categories: Ground Pork Thai Beef
Yield: 4 Servings

		Vegetable oil
1	lb	Ground pork
1	lg	Egg
1/2	c	Dry-roasted peanuts,
		Finely chopped
1/4	c	Chopped fresh cilantro or
		Parsley
3/4	ts	Salt
3 3/4	oz	Pkg. cellophane noodles
		(see note)
1/2	c	Chunk-style peanut butter
1	tb	Grated lemon peel
1/4	ts	Ground red cayenne pepper
1	sm	Cucumber,sliced
1	sm	Carrot, peeled and thinly
		Sliced or cut into thin
		Sticks
		Fresh cilantro or parsley
		Sprigs, optional

Pour oil into 3 qt. saucepan to depth of 1";heat over medium-high heat to 375 degrees.Meanwhile,in large bowl,combine pork,egg,ground peanuts,chopped cilantro and salt.Using hands or wooden spoon,blend well.Shape mixture into 1" balls.In 12" skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp. oil;add meatballs.Cook about 12 minutes,turning frequently until well browned on all sides.Add 1 cup water,stirring to loosen brown bits from bottom of skillet;bring to boil.Reduce heat to low. Simmer,covered,5 to 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through. Meanwhile,add noodles,a small amount at a time,to hot oil in saucepan; cook each batch about 20 seconds until puffed and double in size.Using a slotted spoon,remove noodles to paper towel to drain.When meatballs are cooked,stir in peanut butter,grated lemon peel and ground red pepper;cook about 1 minute longer until heated through.Arrange fried noodles on serving platter.Spoon meatballs over noodles;arrange cucumbers and carrots decoratively around edge.Garnish with cilantro sprigs,if desired.Makes 4 servings.

Note:Cellophane noodles are sometimes called bean thread noodles and can be found in the Oriental sections of supermarkets.

previous

next