Saliva Chicken Meatballs

Name: Saliva Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients: Meatballs; 1 pound (450 grams) boneless skin-on chicken thighs; 1/4 pound (105 grams) chicken knuckles/cartilage (if unavailable, omit); 1 1/2 tablespoons grated ginger; 1 1/2 tablespoons sake; 2 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons fish sauce; 1 1/4 teaspoons ground white pepper; Canola oil, for shaping the meatballs; Sesame Sauce (below); Ultimate Sichuan Chile Oil; Finely ground Sichuan peppercorns, for dusting; Sesame Sauce; 1/2 cup (127 grams) tahini; 3 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 cup crushed ice, plus more if needed; 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro or scallions