Kimchi Apple Cider Meatballs

These aren't your mama's meatballs that remind you of home. These kimchi apple cider meatballs offer a whole a new flavor experience that will surprise your taste buds and leave you in awe. This recipe is a small project, but a worthwhile one.

Ingredients (serves 2)
Meatballs-
-3/4 lb. ground pork
-2 tbsp kimchi (finely chopped)
-1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
-1 tsp brown sugar
-1 tsp soy sauce
-1/2 tbsp paprika
-1 egg (beaten)
-1⁄4 tsp salt
-2 tbsp scallion (finely chopped)
-1/2 tsp sesame oil 
-1 tbsp olive oil
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Sweet Scallion Sesame Sauce
-2 tbsp ginger (chopped)
-2 tbsp garlic (minced)
-1 bunch scallion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
-1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
-2 tbsp soy sauce
-1/2 cup apple cider
-1/2 cup chicken stock (low sodium)
-1/2 tbsp brown sugar
-1 tsp sesame oil
-1 tsp cornstarch
-1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions
Meatballs-

1. Combine pork and kimchi in a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour reserved kimchi liquid over breadcrumbs and stir to absorb liquid.
3. ​Add to mixture along with remaining ingredients. Knead and squeeze mixture until well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Form mixture into 11⁄4-inch meatballs.
6. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Add meatballs and fry in batches 5 minutes. Turn and fry other side 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

​Sweet Scallion Sesame Sauce-

1. Pour off all but 1/2 tbsp fat in pan.
2. Reduce heat to medium; add ginger and garlic, and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add onions and cook 30 seconds.
4. Stir in vinegar, soy sauce, cider, stock, and sugar.
5. Add meatballs. Bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes.
6. Add sesame oil.
7. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add.
8. Cook 15 seconds, until sauce just thickens.
9. Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds.
10. Serve over rice noodles, salad, or rice. Or as an hors d’oeuvre.

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