New Year’s Sweet Orange Chili Mini Meatballs

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Happy New Year! For anyone who is looking for an easy yet sophisticated appetizer everyone will love this holiday, look no further than these sweet orange and chili mini meatballs!  

These mini meatballs are great for entertaining, and offer a perfect balance of sweet and heat with layers of flavors that will impress even the most advanced palate.  

Bright and candied, orange lights the way for toasted sesame, zesty ginger, and a kick of spice from the chili to all shine in harmony. Poured over savory and rich pork meatballs, this duo truly makes for the perfect bite. 

Ring in the New Year with these mini meatballs, and be the hero of your New Year’s get together!

Looking for more New Year’s SCD inspiration? Check out my Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Thyme  & Almond Flour Crackers, Easy Garlic & Herb Stuffed Mushrooms, and SCD Non-Alcoholic Punch.

                                                                      

Sweet Orange Chili Mini Meatballs

Serves 6
Prep: 25 min
Cooking: 35 min
Total: 1 hour   
Beginner

Ingredients:

Meatballs: 

1 Lb. ground pork or chicken 

2 Tbsp. almond flour 

1 Tbsp. ginger, grated  

2 Tbsp. green onion, sliced 

1 Tbsp. sesame oil 

1 Tbsp. honey

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

½ tsp. salt 

¼ tsp pepper 

 

For the Sauce: 

1 ½ cups orange juice, not from concentrate  

⅓ cup + 2 Tbsp. honey

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 

4 cloves garlic, minced  

1 chili pepper, dried, ground into flakes  

1 Tbsp. ginger, grated 

1 Tbsp. green onion, sliced, for topping  

1 tsp. sesame seeds, for topping

  Method Of Prep:

  1. Gather and prep ingredients.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet tray with a rack and set aside.
  3. In a bowl combine all meatball ingredients.
  4. Mix well, and roll into mini meatballs. You should get about 24.
  5. Place meatballs on your lined sheet tray with a little space in between them.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until 165°F.
  7. While the meatballs are cooking combine all sauce ingredients (minus toppings) in a saucepan. Whisk to combine, and bring to a boil.
  8. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 30-35 minutes or until reduced and thick. You should be able to coat the back of the spoon with the sauce and it will stay there without running off.
  9. Once you can do this, remove from heat and set aside.
  10. Gently add meatballs to your serving tray and pour your sauce evenly over them.
  11. Top with your sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  12. Lastly, insert a toothpick into each one for easy eating and entertaining. Happy New Year!

                      

Nutrition Facts: (4 ea. with sauce) 
Calories- 333
Carbs- 33.1 g
Fat- 15 g
Protein- 16.2 g