Description
These General Tso’s Meatballs offer a healthier twist on the classic Chinese-American favorite. Made with lean ground turkey or chicken, fresh ginger, and garlic, the meatballs are pan-seared to golden perfection before simmering in a flavorful, slightly spicy and tangy General Tso’s sauce. Served over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, this recipe delivers a satisfying and nutritious meal packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger, grated
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 4 green onions, very finely chopped
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
General Tso’s Sauce:
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos, Bragg’s liquid aminos, tamari, or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef bone broth
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
- 1 Tbsp gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder
- 2 tsp chili flakes, or to taste
Garnish:
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- Sesame seeds
To Serve:
- Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or riced cauliflower
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey or chicken, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, almond flour, and egg. Mix well using your hands or a spoon to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Using your palms or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs, aiming for about 16 pieces. This ensures even cooking and manageable portions.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet and cook, turning slowly and regularly, until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take several minutes and will help seal in the juices for tender meatballs.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together in a separate medium bowl the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos (or soy alternative), beef bone broth, raw honey, gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder, and chili flakes until fully combined to create a smooth and flavorful General Tso’s sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs in sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over them in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to coat the meatballs evenly and allow the sauce to thicken while ensuring the meatballs cook through and are no longer pink inside.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the meatballs hot over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or ground turkey depending on preference.
- Arrowroot powder or gluten-free flour helps thicken the sauce without gluten.
- Adjust chili flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Cook meatballs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- This recipe works great with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
