Well, I’m going to borrow that lettuce wrap idea and take it with me to a party. A virtual baby shower for Michelle of Healthy Recipe Ecstasy! What better way to celebrate that with some healthy noms?
I’ve been following Michelle’s blog for a while now, and I immediately connected with her when I realized that she’s an attorney in D.C. Yay for lawyers who blog, and how the heck do you balance everything, Michelle?!
Do you remember that Strawberry Avocado Toast with Chocolate Drizzle that so many of you swooned over a few months ago? That’s all Michelle!
Yea, let’s get the baby party started and give away a KitchenAid blender!
My contribution is this Asian Jerk Meatball Wraps. I initially dreamed up a jerk meatball recipe and got super ambitious about making my own jerk sauce. There was one teensy little problem: I can’t find the right peppers! Recipe after recipe called for fresh scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, which haven’t quite made their appearance yet. Time to make it work. I swapped out the scotch bonnets for some Thai chilis. Then, I tossed in a handful of green onions, and a dash of fish sauce in the seasoning. Before I knew it, these meatballs became Asianized, and there was no turning back. I’m okay with it though. I hope Michelle feels the same way, too.
But enough about my balls…I mean, meatballs. (I had to.) Let’s see what everyone else is bringing to the party!
Appetizers
- Manchego Cheese Fritters with Honey Mustard Ranch, by Cooking and Beer
- Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and Chives, by Simply Fresh Dinners
- Strawberry Bruschetta with Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, by The NY Melrose Family
Entrees
- Kimchi Salmon and Rainbow Pickles, by BAM’s Kitchen
- Curried Fish Tacos with Cabbage and Carrot Slaw, by Omnivore’s Cookbook
- Chipotle Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos, by Natural Chow
- Spicy Asian Chicken Puff Pastry Bites with Hoisin Peanut Sauce, by Climbing Grier Mountain
- Mahi Mahi with Dragon Fruit-Pineapple Salsa, by No Gojis No Glory
Sides
- Warm Corn Salad, by The Complete Savorist
- Asian Jerk Meatball Wraps, by Healthy Nibbles and Bits
- Roasted Cauliflower and Pearl Barley Bowls with Creamy Tahini-Dill Dressing, by An Edible Mosaic
Salads
- Grilled Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Salad with Coconut Curry Almond Butter Vinaigrette, by Food Faith Fitness
- Asparagus with Grated Egg and Capers, by Pinch and Swirl
- Strawberry Spinach Salad, by Bitz & Giggles
Desserts
- Almond and Caramel Date Tart with Chocolate Ganache (Vegan and Gluten-Free), by The Crafting Foodie
- Coconut Sorbet, by House of Yumm
- Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with a Cookie Dough Crust, by Vitamin Sunshine
Pssst, did I also mention that there is a giveaway? YES! What’s a party without prizes, right? We’re giving away a KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender. Use it to make green smoothies. Use it to make my white bean sauce. Use it for anything! (Sorry, open to U.S. entrants only. Giveaway open until May 13th.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Asian Jerk Meatball Wraps
Ingredients
Asian Jerk Seasoning
- 6 to 7 Thai chilis
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 stalks of green onions, trimmed and roughly chopped
- 1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, roughly chopped
- 2 TBS rice vinegar
- 1 TBS water
- 2 TBS dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground all-spice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground chicken, I used thigh meat
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely minced
- 2 stalks of green onion, finely chopped
- 2 TBS fish sauce, or season with salt
- 3 TBS olive oil
White Bean Sauce
- 1 15-oz can of cannellini beans
- 1 TBS olive oil
- 1 TBS water
- 1 TBS lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Other ingredients
- 1/2 head of butter lettuce, rinsed
- 2 manila mangoes, peeled and chopped
- shredded vegetables
Instructions
- PREPARE MEATBALLS: In a blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients for the Asian jerk seasoning. In a large bowl, mix the ingredients for the meatballs and jerk seasoning together until well combined. Shape a heaping tablespoon of the ground chicken and form into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the meat. Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Pour half the olive oil (1 1/2 tablespoons) in the pan. When the pan is hot, fill it with about half the meatballs. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, making sure that all sides are browned. Dish up the first batch, toss the remaining oil in the pan, and brown the rest of the meatballs.
- PREPARE WHITE BEAN SAUCE: Blend the ingredients for the white bean sauce in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- PREPARE WRAPS: Take a piece of lettuce and fill it with a few meatballs, mango, and vegetables. Top with some of the white bean sauce. Best served immediately.
Robyn @ simply fresh dinners says
Meatballs are my very favourite thing in this world, Lisa, and these look so fantastic! I love this flavour combination and will definitely be making it. Aren’t they just so much fun to make – and most of all, to eat! lol
Sharing and saving for my files – thanks so much!
Lisa says
Thank YOU Robyn!
Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy says
I am so OK with Asian-izing those meatballs Lisa!! They look delish! My hubby has been obsessed with all things “jerk” lately. I am definitely going to have to make these! Thanks so much!!!
Lisa says
YES! So glad I stumbled upon the right flavor combination! The baby looks soooo adorable!
Marissa says
Wow, these lettuce wraps look stunningly delicious! I’d gladly make a meal out of them, but they’re even better as party fare. Yum!!
Lisa says
Thanks, Marissa!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
There have been so many fun virtual showers lately amount the food blogging scene. I love ’em because it means more food for me! Ha ha! These wraps look fantastic. The idea of meatballs in a wrap is so fun. Can’t way to try it out, Lisa!
Lisa says
I know, right? These virtual showers make me hungry all the time!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I just wanted to let you know that your Instagram link entry for the giveaway doesn’t work.
Lisa says
Sharon, thank you SO MUCH for letting me know! I think the issue is fixed now. Have a great day!
Julia says
LOL, I’m in tears over those baby photos. Word up, momma! Ha! Ugh, what a sweet baby shower you all have thrown for Michelle. LOVE these lettuce wraps like whoa!
Lisa says
Haha, that is my favorite photo, too!!
GiGi Eats says
OMG! I AM going to my sister’s baby shower in a weeek! I SHOULD sent this over to the peeps who are in control of the planning (ha, yeah I am a terrible sister because it’s not me, LOL).
Lisa says
No way! What a coincidence! Hope you had a great time at the shower!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
I love lettuce wraps – they are so light and fresh! And your idea of jerk meatballs is genius, what a great party food!
Lisa says
Thank you so much, Faith!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Lisa, as I told Marissa. . THIS is a baby shower I’d want to attend just b/c of all the delicious FOOD!!! love your meatball wraps!!!
Lisa says
Alice, I’ll trade a batch of these meatball wraps for a slice of one of your lovely cakes!!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
I think these little meatball morsels are the perfect way to celebrate, Michelle! YUMMMM!
Lisa says
Thanks, Justine!
Joanne says
Aww that little cutie is ready to PAAARR-TAAAY!! 😛 Love the fun flavors in these lettuce wraps…they’re like a party in every bite!
Lisa says
Thanks, Joanne!!
Maggie says
Meatballs are always on point Liza! They are always fun to make and gives a nice flavor and touch to your dish. They look delicious and I’m feeling so hungry now! 🙂
Lisa says
Thanks, Maggie!