Kung Pao Meatballs (keto options!)

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp low-carb sweetener (like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (to thicken)
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional, can be substituted with chopped almonds for keto)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup zucchini, diced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, almond flour, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, and low-carb sweetener until the sweetener is dissolved.
6. Cook the Sauce: In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the soy sauce mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the sauce and stir until it thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Add Vegetables: Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
9. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the meatballs are heated through and well-coated.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, and sprinkle with roasted peanuts (or almonds) and chopped green onions. Serve hot, optionally over cauliflower rice or a bed of steamed vegetables for a complete keto meal.