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Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

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Firecracker Meatballs are a flavorful fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy, making them a perfect appetizer, snack, or main course. Coated in a sticky, fiery glaze, these juicy meatballs pack a punch of flavor that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavor: A balance of heat, sweetness, and tangy notes.
  • Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, party food, or paired with rice or noodles for a main course.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs:

  • Ground pork or beef (or a mix of both)
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Onion (finely diced or grated)
  • Soy sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Firecracker Sauce:

  • Sriracha
  • Brown sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
  5. Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the Sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken slightly.
  6. Coat the Meatballs: Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes about 20-24 meatballs
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Chicken or Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or finely mashed lentils.
  • Sweeter Sauce: Add honey for a milder, sweeter glaze.
  • Extra Spicy: Increase the Sriracha or add more red pepper flakes.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce separately. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat meatballs and sauce together in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before baking.

4. What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?

Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, or pair with steamed rice, noodles, or a vegetable stir-fry for a full meal.

5. Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Use less Sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

6. What can I substitute for Sriracha?

Try chili garlic sauce, gochujang, or your favorite hot sauce.

7. Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?

Yes, finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be mixed into the meatball mixture for added nutrients.

8. Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?

Yes, they store and reheat well, making them great for meal prep.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.

10. What can I garnish these meatballs with?

Green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro are excellent garnishes that enhance the flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Firecracker Meatballs are the perfect combination of bold flavors and tender textures. Whether served as a party appetizer or paired with your favorite sides for dinner, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite. Try them today and ignite your taste buds with this fiery delight!

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Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Firecracker Meatballs are sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite! Coated in a bold, flavorful firecracker sauce, these meatballs are perfect for dinner served over rice or noodles, or as a standout appetizer at a party.

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/3 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Firecracker Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/3 cup (80g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Scoop out 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
3. Make the Firecracker Sauce:
  1. While the meatballs bake, whisk together the hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Coat the Meatballs:
  1. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the firecracker sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve:
  • Serve the firecracker meatballs over rice, noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce and increase the honey or brown sugar.
  • These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the sauce before serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari in place of soy sauce.

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