MEATBALL LO MEIN

Meatball Lo Mein image

This recipe was created for the Ninja Chef's Chopped challenge. Our secret ingredients this week was; Whole Wheat Bread, Italian Sausage & Ramen Noodles. Working on an Asian theme, I immediately thought of "lo mein"... then I said to myself, "self", why not sausage meatballs. This came out absolutely amazing!! My brother...

Provided by Didi Dalaba

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 29

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Ingredients

MEATBALLS
1 lb (16 oz) bob evans italian sausage
3 slice whole wheat bread
3 clove garlic
2 tsp chopped cilantro
1 tsp crushed ginger (i used fresh)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 egg
1/2 tsp chinese five spice powder
VEGETABLES
2 carrots sliced thin on diagonal
3 celery stalks sliced thin on diagonal
1 medium onion, sliced thinly on diagonal
SAUCE
2 Tbsp vegetable/canola oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground dried ginger
1 juice of orange
2-3 Tbsp corn starch
2 1/2 c water
1/3 c orange or apricot preserves
3 - 4 tsp soy sauce
few dashes of tabasco sauce
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
4 pkg any flavor ramen noodles
1 Tbsp sesame seeds optional garnish
4 tsp chopped cilantro optional garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Take out your sausage. I used Bob Evan's Italian Sausage, which has a milder flavor rather than butcher bought.
2. In a medium bowl, add your meatball ingredients and using a small melon scoop, make your meatballs and roll again slightly to ensure perfect balls. Place balls on a foil and non-stick spray lined pan to ensure easier clean up.
3. Bake at 375F for approximately 15-17 minutes. Take out oven and set aside.
4. As meatballs are baking, in a medium saucepan add 4-6 cups water, bring to boil. Start dicing your vegetables. Start with your celery, slice on an angle.
5. Now your carrots.
6. Finish off with your onion and set aside all veggies.
7. In a saute pan, add your oil and sesame oil. Once hot, add your onions, saute for about 1 minute. Add your celery and carrots. Stir and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, till veggies are just starting to get tender.
8. Add all sauces and seasonings. Let simmer for a 1-2 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, incorporate corn starch and orange juice, stir till smooth, add to sauce. Add your meatballs and simmer sauce till slightly thickened and meatballs have been heated thru.
9. As sauce is simmering, open ramen noodles, (discarding packet seasoning mix), and add to boiling water. Let simmer for 4-6 minutes, till tender. Drain well and add evenly to bowls.
10. Sauce should be ready at this point. Divide sauce evenly between bowls and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if preferred. Grab your chopsticks and ENJOY!!