Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, ground or chopped finely
  • 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 Thai chiles, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
  • 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • Olive oil
  • Carrot shavings, for garnish
  • Chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
  • Peanut Dipping Sauce, recipe follows

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Combine the pork, shrimp, lemongrass, sesame seeds, lime juice, chiles, ginger, garlic, basil, cilantro, mint, soy sauce, fish sauce, breadcrumbs and eggs in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9 by 12-inch baking dish, making sure to evenly coat the entire surface.
  • Roll the mixture into round, golf ball size meatballs, making sure to pack the meat firmly.
  • Place the balls into the oiled baking dish such that all the meatballs are lined up evenly in rows and are touching each of their 4 neighbors in a grid.
  • Roast until firm and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Allow the meatballs to cool about 5 minutes before removing from the baking dish.
  • Garnish with shaved carrots and chopped roasted peanuts. Serve with Peanut Dipping Sauce.