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Slow Cooker Asian BBQ Meatballs | PALEO, Whole30

Servings: 4
Calories: 971kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 2 lbs ground pork
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried ginger
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil or coconut oil, for pan frying
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar Optional

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup pineapple or mango, chopped
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp dried ginger
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • pinch chili flakes
  • salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup* optional

Instructions

  • Add the meatball ingredients (except the oil) to a large bowl, mixing well until combined.  Use your hands to roll the meat mixture into 25 to 30 2" meatballs.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the meatballs in a single layer, with a little space between each.  (I cooked mine in two batches.)  Pan-fry the meatballs on medium high for 2 to 3 minutes per side to brown, cooking to about medium doneness.  Transfer the meatballs directly to the bottom of a slow cooker.
  • Make your BBQ sauce by adding the sauce ingredients to a blender and pulsing until smooth.  Add chili flakes & salt, to taste.  Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or high for 2 hours.  You can set the slow cooker to stay on the "warm" setting while waiting to serve.

To turn these into "bowls".

  • Add 1 to 2 cups of pineapple or mango chunks to the slow cooker along with the meatballs before cooking.
  • When the meatballs & fruit are finished, scoop over steamed cauliflower rice to serve.  Top with toasted cashews & sliced green onions.

Notes

  • If you are making these on a Whole30, be sure to skip the sweeteners (coconut sugar & maple syrup).  They add to the Asian flavor profile, but are totally skip-able!
  • Feel free to use frozen fruit (I do!)  Just be sure to heat it for a few seconds before blending into your sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 971kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 71g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 1635mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 22g | Iron: 4mg