Chicken and Cilantro Bites

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned)
• 1 lb ground chicken (not breast meat)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Stir together soy and vinegar in a bowl for dipping sauce.

2. 2

   Stir together chicken, egg, cilantro, scallions, sesame oil, and salt with a fork until just blended.

3. 3

   Spread cornstarch in a shallow baking pan. With wet hands form chicken mixture into 1-inch balls, transferring them to baking pan as formed. Wash and dry your hands, then gently roll balls in cornstarch until coated. (Balls will be soft.)

4. 4

   Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook half of balls, turning over occasionally, until firm and golden (they will flatten slightly), 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Add remaining 1/4 cup oil to skillet and cook remaining balls in same manner. Serve meatballs with dipping sauce.