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Eyeball Meatballs

Eyeball meatballs are playful, chewy meat-based bites with a sticky, sweet glaze that resemble grotesque orbs. They are pan-fried to develop a rich crust before being baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy interior with an eye-catching glossy exterior. Perfect for adventurous eaters and conversation starters alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: fusion
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork juicy and rich for shaping into spheres
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs panko preferred for crunch
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion for aromatic flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce adds umami
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil for nutty aroma
  • 1 large egg acts as binder
  • 3 tablespoons honey balances savory flavors
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce for glaze
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil for glaze

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and gather all your ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and the egg. Mix everything together gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing for tender meatballs.
  3. Shape the mixture into small spheres about the size of a golf ball, making sure they are compact but not too tight to keep them juicy.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, giving them enough space. Sear the meatballs until they develop a deep, caramelized crust, about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
  5. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
  6. While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze by mixing soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in the same skillet used for browning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
  7. Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and carefully toss them in the glaze, turning to coat each one evenly until they have a shiny, sticky exterior.
  8. Garnish the eyeball meatballs with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
  9. Serve the meatballs hot, with plenty of napkins and a fun, playful attitude. Enjoy the chewy texture and sweet glaze that make these a memorable dish!

Notes

Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender. Browning thoroughly before baking adds depth of flavor. Adjust the glaze thickness with a splash of water if needed for easy coating.