Bola-Bola

Name: Bola-Bola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 dozen
Cuisine: Asia, Philippines
Ingredients: 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound ground pork; Oil for deep-fat frying; Banana ketchup, optional; Chopped green onions, optional

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Yield 3 dozen

Test Kitchen Approved

Bola-bola are crispy, fried Filipino pork meatballs that will be a winner at any gathering. Serve them with a sweet, tangy dipping sauce at your next party or atop a bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a simple meal.

Ingredients

1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground pork
Oil for deep-fat frying
Banana ketchup, optional
Chopped green onions, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Add pork; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape mixture into 1-in. balls.
In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Fry meatballs, a few at a time, until golden brown on all sides, 2-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with banana ketchup and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 49 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

Bola-bola (Filipino-style meatballs) can be served as an appetizer or stirred into soup. Some versions of this recipe roll the meatballs in flour or bread crumbs before frying for a crisp coating. Serve plain or with a dipping sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Recipe Creator