Spicy Thai Meatballs With Crispy Noodles Recipe

+ Pour oil into 3 qt.

saucepan to depth of 1";heat over medium-high heat to 375 degrees.

Meanwhile,in large bowl,combine pork,egg,ground peanuts,chopped cilantro and salt.

Using hands or wooden spoon,blend well.

Shape mixture into 1" balls.

In 12" skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp.

oil;add meatballs.

Cook about 12 minutes,turning frequently until well browned on all sides.

Add 1 cup water,stirring to loosen brown bits from bottom of skillet;bring to boil.

Reduce heat to low.

Simmer,covered,5 to 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

Meanwhile,add noodles,a small amount at a time,to hot oil in saucepan; cook each batch about 20 seconds until puffed and double in size.

Using a slotted spoon,remove noodles to paper towel to drain.

When meatballs are cooked,stir in peanut butter,grated lemon peel and ground red pepper;cook about 1 minute longer until heated through.

Arrange fried noodles on serving platter.

Spoon meatballs over noodles;arrange cucumbers and carrots decoratively around edge.

Garnish with cilantro sprigs,if desired.

Makes 4 servings.

Note:Cellophane noodles are sometimes called bean thread noodles and can be found in the Oriental sections of supermarkets.