Shrimp and Pork Balls with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In the bowl of a food processor combine the scallions, half of the ginger, half of the chopped chili pepper, the garlic, 3 tablespoons of the tamari, the cilantro, and the lime zest. Pulse for 30 seconds, scrape down the bowl, and then continue to process for 1 minute or until finely ground. Add the shrimp and pork and process until the shrimp are ground into small pieces and the mixture is well combined but not so fine that it becomes a paste, about 1 minute. Roll the shrimp and pork mixture into 24 balls about the size of large walnuts. If you dip your hands in water before rolling the mixture, the rolling goes a little easier.

   Step 2

   Preheat a large nonstick skillet with the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the balls and don’t move them until they are browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn the balls and continue to cook, browning on all sides until cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes longer.

   Step 3

   While the balls are cooking, make the spicy lime dipping sauce: In a bowl combine the remaining ginger and chili pepper, the remaining tamari, the lime juice, sesame oil, honey, and 2 tablespoons of water. Taste and adjust the seasoning; if you find it to be too salty, add a little more water and a smidgen more honey.

   Step 4

   Arrange the shrimp and pork balls on a platter with a bowl of the spicy lime dipping sauce and a bunch of toothpicks. Spear a ball with a toothpick, dip in the sauce, and eat.