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Orange Beef and Broccoli Meatballs

My recipe for Orange Beef and Broccoli Meatballs is inspired by a trip down the spice aisle in Whole Foods. I don’t make it there too often and when I do, I make sure the trip is worth it. I find myself roaming around looking for unique things. Often times I come across items I must try. Though I never know what I am going to make exactly, I put it in the basket and hope for the best. 

I took a trip down the spice aisle and THAT can be dangerous for me. My eyes get big at everything! I told myself, “one spice only today, Kristina.” Sometimes I get carried away.  I saw this cute little bag labeled Orange and Ginger Seasoning. For some reason I was thinking oooh this is going to be sweet and so I put in my basket.

The Results…

Orange and Ginger sounded amazing and the first time I cooked with it, I made beef and broccoli. aaaand….OH SHIT, its not sweet. It’s SPICY! I almost felt bad for my husband eating it. I could see his forehead glistening before he even took a bite.

Creating Orange Beef and Broccoli Meatballs

I needed a re-do with this spice! I thought to try it in a meatball and serve with rice noodles and fresh oranges to help tone down the heat, also I used way less this time. My husband was much happier!! Though he had his glass of milk ready because he knows better. LOL When I say something isn’t spicy, he doesn’t always trust my judgement!

Some Tips

I served this with fresh rice noodles. In my opinion, rice noodles are only good when served immediately. If you wanted to make this meatball for a meal prep, you can use steamed jasmine rice.

Looking for more Asian Inspired dishes and flavors? Check out my Easy Flank Steak and also my tasty Beef Bulgogi Bowls.

meatballs in a bowl with oranges
Orange Beef and Broccoli Meatballs
beef meatballs in a bowl

Orange Beef and Broccoli Meatballs

An aromatic Asian inspired meatball featuring a healthy and gluten free twist
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 90/10
  • 1/2 red bell pepper small/medium dice
  • 1 bunch green onion sliced
  • 1 bunch cilantro small bunch/handful
  • 3/4 cup organic corn flakes crushed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp orange ginger seasoning from Whole Foods
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2-3 cups broccoli florets 2 big handfuls
  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 orange juice of 1 fresh orange
  • 2 cups rice vermicelli noodles prepared according to the package

Instructions
 

  • Start with preparing your meatballs, add the first 8 ingredients
    into a bowl, combine and roll the mixture into about 16 individual- 2 inch balls. 
  • In a non stick pan on medium-low heat, add the avocado oil and sear the meatballs about 5 -7 minutes on each side .
  • Add the coconut aminos and water to the pan and let simmer for about 10 min. Then add the broccoli. And let cook for another 5 minutes. Add the juice of the orange last, taste test to see if you want to add additional orange, or if its too salty, you can add additional water.
  • You can serve this dish with rice vermicelli noodles (as pictured) or your favorite rice. This dish can also be enjoyed by itself as an appetizer or protein snack.

Notes

Some quick tips: 
I don’t normally use corn flakes for meatballs, it is just what I happened to have on hand that worked as a binder. You can use regular bread  or if you like to keep it gluten free, then use a gf bread instead. 
Rice noodles are best enjoyed the same day… so if cooking this as meal prep, I would serve it with rice.
The orange ginger seasoning from Whole Foods is the bomb! However it’s quite spicy, which I love but not everyone can tolerate so much heat. You can cut back to 1/2 tbsp instead. 
Coconut aminos is a healthy alternative to Soy Sauce though it is still salty, No additional salt should be needed for this recipe. If you find the 1:1Ratio of coconut aminos and water is still too salty for you, add additional water.
Broccoli shrinks…feel free to add more. 🙂
Keyword Meatballs, Oranges, Rice Noodles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
orange beef and broccoli meatballs
A new way to enjoy beef and broccoli.

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