step 1
In a food processor, combine the Garlic (3 cloves), Shallot (1), Bacon (3 slices) and blitz until a paste forms. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop this by hand, but it must be chopped very finely into almost a paste. Set aside for later.
step 2
In a frying pan, set the heat to low and add the Oil (2 Tbsp) and Annatto Seeds (1 Tbsp) in it. Let it toast until the color from the seeds bleed out onto the oil, approximately 1-2 minutes. You will know it’s done when the oil is a nice dark orange hue. Turn off the heat and set to cool for later.
step 3
In a large bowl, combine Ground Pork (1 lb), Rice Powder (2 Tbsp), Corn Starch (2 Tbsp), Honey (3 Tbsp), Fish Sauce (2 Tbsp), Chinese Five Spice Powder (3/4 tsp), Cooking Wine (1 Tbsp) and mix well by hand until everything is well combined.
step 4
Add in the ‘Garlicky Bacon Fat’ mix you created earlier and continue to mix well by hand.
step 5
In a large ziploc bag, add everything from the bowl, and the annatto oil (or use plain oil if you didn’t make annatto oil) and remove as much air as you can from the bag and seal it well.
step 6
Knead the bag for approximately 15 minutes, occasionally whacking the bag against a counter top or cutting board firmly to remove air bubbles.
step 7
Remove a little piece of meat and pan fry it to do a taste test to see if it is salty enough (or sweet enough) to your preference. Not all fish sauces are created equal and some are saltier than others. Adjust the seasonings by adding more honey or more fish sauce to your liking.
step 8
Once you are done, put the meat in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour to cool.
step 9
Soak the skewers in a tall cup glass of water and set aside.
step 10
Once the meat is cold, remove it from the fridge and setup your skewering station and lightly oil your hands. If your hands are very hot or warm, run your wrist under cold water to cool them down a bit.
step 11
Take about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of meat and roll it into a ball and skewer it. Gently squeeze your hand around the ball to form a oval shape or you can keep it as a round meatball as well.
step 12
If there is an opening or hole on the openings of the meat, seal it well by pinching the openings and gently twisting your finger and then sliding it slightly towards the meatball. Continue to do this until all the meat is used up.
step 13
Set your BBQ or charcoal grill to approximately 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) – 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Once the grill is hot, add the skewers on and close the lid.
step 14
Cook the skewers for about 3-4 minutes until the meat becomes firm. Give it a gentle poke to see if it is still mushy. If it still mushy it will be very difficult to flip it. Wait until it is firm before trying to flip it.
step 15
Once the meatballs are firm and cooked, you no longer need to use the lid anymore and can grill it over the open fire to start browning it by flipping it every 1-2 minutes for approximately 10-12 minutes. You will know the meat is done when it is very firm and browned evenly.
step 16
Serve it over some vermicelli noodles, use it in Vietnamese rice spring rolls or eat them as is with Nuoc Cham sauce!
