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.
Asian Jerk Meatball Wraps
Makes about 10 to 12 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.
Notes
1. Asian jerk seasoning adapted from CHOW.com. [br][br]2. SUBSTITUTIONS: Don’t want to bother making your own jerk seasoning? No problem! Just stir about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ or jerk sauce to the ground chicken. Don’t care for the beans sauce? An aioli works just as well.
Did you enjoy this recipe?Tag @hellolisalin or leave a star rating and comment on the blog!
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!