Servings: Prep Time 10 Cook Time 30 Total Time 0:00 Serves 16 to 18 meatballs

5 Spice BBQ Meatballs with Orange Hoisin Sauce (Paleo Friendly) 5 Spice BBQ Meatballs with Orange Hoisin Sauce (Paleo Friendly)
 
For the 5 Spice Meatballs For the 5 Spice Meatballs
 
1 lb lean ground beef - 85% fat to 95% works best and grass-fed is best source (see notes). 1 lb lean ground beef - 85% fat to 95% works best and grass-fed is best source (see notes).
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp 5 spice (Asian Spice) ½ tsp 5 spice (Asian Spice)
1-2 tbsp gluten free Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos 1 to 2 tbsp gluten free Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
1/4 tsp sea salt ¼ tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper ¼ tsp black pepper
3-4 tbsp arrowroot or tapioca starch (depends on meat - if using higher fat content, you will need more starch) 3 to 4 tbsp arrowroot or tapioca starch (depends on meat - if using higher fat content, you will need more starch)
1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp minced garlic ½ tsp minced garlic
1 egg, whisked 1 egg, whisked
1 tbsp sesame seed mixed into the meatballs to mix in last as optional 1 tbsp sesame seed mixed into the meatballs to mix in last as optional
For the BBQ Orange Hoisin Sauce For the BBQ Orange Hoisin Sauce
 
1/2 cup gluten free hoisin sauce (for paleo version, see notes). ½ cup gluten free hoisin sauce (for paleo version, see notes).
1/3 - 1/2 cup naturally sweetened BBQ Sauce or unsweetened tomato sauce (here's a great lower sugar BBQ sauce) ⅓ to ½ cup naturally sweetened BBQ Sauce or unsweetened tomato sauce (here's a great lower sugar BBQ sauce)
1/3 cup onion, chopped ⅓ cup onion, chopped
1 tsp fresh grated ginger 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1/4 tsp Black pepper ¼ tsp Black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste) ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1/2 cup orange juice ½ cup orange juice
1/2 tsp minced garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp minced garlic or ¼ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of sea salt Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Cilantro and Sesame seed to garnish. Cilantro and Sesame seed to garnish.
 
See note for what to serve it with. See note for what to serve it with.
 
© Cotter Crunch All images & content are copyright protected. © Cotter Crunch All images & content are copyright protected.

Preheat oven to 450F
Make sure your meat is cleaned and ginger is finely grated. Then place all your meatballs ingredients in a large bowl, add the whisked egg last
Using a hands or a stand mixer, mix all ingredients until combined. Add optional sesame seeds. I find a stand mixer works best to get a good even mix.
Next Roll 5 spice meat mixture into balls (a little larger size than a golf ball)
Place on greased or lined baking sheet.
Bake at 450F for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway, until they are firm and slightly cooked/browned. Once cooked, discard the extra the grease or extra fat from the pan. Place the meatballs on plate in a bowl while you make your sauce.
While the meatballs are baking, feel free to mix up your your Orange Hoisin sauce.
Blend together all ingredients listed in the orange hoisin sauce. Best to use a hand held blender, food processor, or blender. Then pour the sauce in medium pan or deep skillet.
Bring to a soft boil then reduce.
Place your baked meatballs in sauce. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes turning and coating all the meatballs evenly.
Once cooked, remove and Garnish with extra cilantro, chili pepper flakes, optional sesame seeds.
If not serving right away, keep in sealed container in fridge or freeze for later.
I like to serve these as appetizer, with steamed broccoli rice, or cooked rice noodles.

Serve with broccoli rice, cauliflower rice, white rice, rice noodles, or even as an appetizer.  Serve with broccoli rice, cauliflower rice, white rice, rice noodles, or even as an appetizer.
For paleo hoisin sauce, check out Eat Drink Paleo's homemade hoisin recipe  For paleo hoisin sauce, check out Eat Drink Paleo's homemade hoisin recipe
For natural gluten free hoisin sauce, we use Wok Mei.  For natural gluten free hoisin sauce, we use Wok Mei.
If using 85% fat content, you will need to add 4 tbsp of starch, versus 3. Adjust if needed.  If using 85% fat content, you will need to add 4 tbsp of starch, versus 3. Adjust if needed.
Estimated Nutrition per meatballs with sauce:  Estimated Nutrition per meatballs with sauce:
70-75 calories, 3-4 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 25-27 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 4 grams carbohydrates, .05 g fiber, 2-3 grams of sugar, 4-5 grams of protein, 10% Vitamin C.  70 to 75 calories, 3 to 4 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 25 to 27 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 4 grams carbohydrates, .05 g fiber, 2 to 3 grams of sugar, 4 to 5 grams of protein, 10% Vitamin C.