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:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- 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.
- Scoop out 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
- 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:
- While the meatballs bake, whisk together the hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Coat the Meatballs:
- 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.