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Five-Spice Beef Meatballs
Serves 3–4Prep 10 minutesCook 6–8 minutesGFPaleo
Ground beef mixed with red onion and Chinese five-spice, rolled into large meatballs and quickly browned in a hot skillet. They stay juicy with a slightly pink center and lots of warm spice flavor.
Ingredients
- —1 lb ground beef
- —½ medium red onion, finely chopped
- —1 to 1½ teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- —¾ teaspoon sea salt
- —1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- 1.In a bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped red onion, five-spice powder, and salt.
- 2.Mix everything together with your hands until evenly combined.
- 3.Divide the mixture into 8 portions and roll them into large meatballs.
- 4.Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- 5.Add the meatballs and brown on the outside, about 4 minutes, turning gently.
- 6.Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, until cooked through but still slightly pink inside.
Notes
Red onion adds a little sweetness that works well with the five-spice.
Green onion can also be used in place of red onion if you prefer.
These have no binder, so handle them gently.
Don't overcook — these dry out quickly.
Suggested Side
Optional Spinach
After removing the meatballs:
- Add a couple handfuls of spinach to the warm pan and let it wilt in the beef fat for a quick side.