Steam Oven Recipe: Goji & Orange Glazed Meatballs
Steam Oven Recipe: Goji & Orange Glazed Meatballs
These Goji & Orange Glazed Meatballs offer a delightful twist on a classic, infusing savoury meatballs with a vibrant, subtly sweet, and tangy glaze. The steam oven gently cooks the meatballs, keeping them incredibly moist and tender, while the goji berry and orange glaze adds a unique fruity and citrusy dimension. This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavour that will tantalise your taste buds.
Yields: Approximately 20-24 meatballs
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 500g (1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Goji & Orange Glaze:
- 1/4 cup goji berries
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs:
- Lightly moisten your hands with water.
- Roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).
3. Steam the Meatballs:
- Preheat your steam oven to 100°C (212°F) or the steam setting.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in a perforated steam oven tray or a steamer basket.
- Steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the centre.
4. Prepare the Goji & Orange Glaze:
- While the meatballs are steaming, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the goji berries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and orange zest.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the goji berries to soften and plump up slightly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
5. Glaze the Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully transfer them to a bowl.
- Pour the warm goji and orange glaze over the meatballs.
- Gently toss the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Goji & Orange Glazed Meatballs immediately.
What Goes Best With It:
These Goji & Orange Glazed Meatballs pair wonderfully with:
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: The fluffy grains provide a neutral base to soak up the flavourful glaze.
- Noodle Dishes: Toss them with stir-fried noodles or serve alongside a simple noodle soup.
- Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw complement the richness of the meatballs.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of the potatoes offers a pleasant contrast to the tangy glaze.
- As an Appetiser: Serve them on skewers as a unique and flavourful appetiser.
Tips:
- Meatball Variations: Feel free to use your favourite ground meat or a combination.
- Goji Berry Hydration: Soaking the goji berries in the orange juice while the meatballs steam helps them soften and release their flavour.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch for a thicker or thinner glaze.
- Flavour Intensification: For a more intense orange flavour, you can infuse the orange juice with the zest for a longer period before making the glaze.
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be steamed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the steam oven or a saucepan before glazing. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently reheated.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra orange zest or chopped green onions for a pop of colour and freshness.