Korean Style Meatballs

Makes 18 small meatballs
 
1pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
¼ cup chopped scallion
¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
2 teaspoons ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
⅓ cup dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
 

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Combine salt, black pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, scallion, cilantro, ginger, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until blended. 
3. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with the seasoning, egg, and breadcrumbs and mix well. 
4. Form the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange on a baking sheet. Place in a lightly oiled baking pan and put into the oven. Cook for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Variation
Southwest meatballs
1pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Southwest seasoning-see below
¼ cup chopped scallion
¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
⅓ cup dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs

Prepare and cook as above.

Southwest seasoning:
¼ cup smoked paprika 
2  tsp chipotle power or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbs granulated garlic 
1 Tbs ground coriander 
2 tsp ground cumin 
1 tsp Kosher salt
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container at room temperature.