ASIAN MEATBALL SUBS WITH HOISIN MAYONNAISE

Asian Meatball Subs with Hoisin Mayonnaise image

Provided by Brandy Bender

Categories Breads

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 slice white sandwich bread
1 1/2 Tbsp milk
1 tsp soy sauce
5 scallions, white and green, parts seperated
1 1/4 lb ground pork
3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
1 Tbsp ginger, peeled and finely grated (about a 2 inch piece)
1/3 c water chestnuts, drained, rinsed, and chopped
1 large egg, lightly beatened
1/3 c cilantro, fresh, chopped
1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 c hoisin sauce
1/4 c mayonnaise
2 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
4 Tbsp asian chili-garlic sauce
peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
1 c bean sprouts
4 7-inch-long pieces baguette, split open

Steps:

1. Tear the sandwich bread into small pieces, then toss with the milk and soy sauce in a large bowl. Let stand 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mince the white scallions, pork, garlic, ginger, water chestnuts, egg, cilantro, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a bowl with the bread; mix until combined. Gently form into 16 golf ball-size meatballs. Put meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.
3. Stir the hoisin sauce, mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice, the chili-garlic sauce, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Heat about 1 1/2 inchs peanut oil in a large, wide saucepan over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Drain the green scallions and toss with bean sprouts, the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Spread hoisin mayonnaise on the inside of the baguette pieces, then fill with the meatballs and top with the scallion-sprout mixture.