Step 1

First, let’s prepare the atsuage, thick deep-fried tofu. Slice off the fried edges. If atsuage is not available, firm tofu can be used instead but make sure to remove the excess water thoroughly before cooking.

Step 2

Then, chop the edges into fine pieces.

Step 3

Next, break the tofu into small pieces.

Step 4

Now, place the lean ground pork in a bowl and add the salt, pepper, sake, soy sauce, grated ginger root and the beaten egg.

Step 5

Squeeze the mixture to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Then, loosely spread your fingers forming a rake shape with your hand to thoroughly mix the meat until it becomes kind of gooey. This will help to combine other ingredients later.

Step 7

Now, add the atsuage, chopped long green onion and the potato starch.

Step 8

Thoroughly mix the meat mixture again.

Step 9

Then, divide the meat into 10 pieces and place them onto a plate.

Step 10

Now, let’s make the meatballs. Add the vegetable oil to a pan and turn on the burner. Coat your hands with oil, shape each piece into a ball and quickly place it into the pan.

Step 11

Using a spatula, brown the meatballs.

Step 12

In this recipe, we used lean meat to reduce the amount of fat and added the tofu to help make the meatballs tender. You can also use regular ground pork, beef or chicken, and leave out the atsuage or tofu.

Step 13

When they are golden brown, add 1 tablespoon of water.

Step 14

Cover and cook the meatballs for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid undercooking the meat.

Step 15

Remove the lid and allow the remaining water to evaporate.

Step 16

Then, place the meatballs onto a plate.

Step 17

Now, clean the pan with a paper towel. Then, combine the chicken stock, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and the pepper.

Step 18

Mix all the ingredients and pour it into the pan. Re-heat the pan and dissolve the sugar.Then, turn off the burner.

Step 19

Thoroughly stir the diluted potato starch and gradually add it to the sauce. If the heat is too strong, the starch will instantly clump up before it can be distributed.

Step 20

Heat the pan again. And thoroughly cook the sauce.

Step 21

Then, add the meatballs and coat them with the sauce.

Step 22

Now, they are ready.

Step 23

Place the meatballs onto a plate along with the cherry tomatoes and green leaf lettuce. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.