Slow Cooker Asian BBQ Meatballs | PALEO, Whole30
Servings: 4
Calories: 971kcal
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
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.
- 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.
Calories: 971kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 71g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 1635mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 22g | Iron: 4mg