These sweet and spicy meatballs are a tasty treat! They combine juicy meat with a zingy sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Perfect for any gathering!
Whenever I make these meatballs, they disappear fast! I love serving them over rice or as a fun appetizer. They’re sure to make everyone smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I usually go for ground beef because it gives a hearty flavor. However, mixing ground beef and pork adds a nice richness. Turkey or chicken can also work if you’re looking for a leaner option!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs keep the meatballs tender. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. I’ve found that oats can add a lovely texture as well.
Honey: This sweetener adds a great flavor balance in the sauce. If you’re looking for a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup will do the trick!
Sriracha: This hot sauce adds the spice! Adjust the amount to fit your heat preference. For a milder option, you can use sweet chili sauce instead.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking meatballs can be tricky, but you want to get that perfect golden brown on the outside and keep them juicy inside. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is preheated with oil before adding meatballs; this helps them brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give them space to get crispy on the outside.
- Flip them gently to avoid breaking, and cook until they’re brown on all sides and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
By following these steps, you’ll have delicious, juicy meatballs every time!
Sweet And Spicy Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1-2 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 20 minutes of prep time plus another 15-20 minutes for cooking, bringing the total time to around 40 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you go, so they are ready to fry!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning or add more sriracha if you like it spicier!
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss them to ensure they are well-coated in that yummy sweet and spicy goodness.
7. Serve:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve them hot as an appetizer or over steamed rice for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious sweet and spicy meatballs! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great low-fat substitute and works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey may yield slightly drier meatballs, so consider adding a bit more milk or breadcrumbs to maintain moisture.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these meatballs gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or opt for tamari as a substitute!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw in the fridge before cooking. They’ll still taste great!
What Should I Serve with Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving!
