These sweet and spicy meatballs are a fun twist on a classic dish! With a mix of juicy ground meat, sticky honey, and a kick of chili flakes, they’re sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
They are perfect as a snack or a meal, and let’s be honest, who can resist a meatball party? I like to serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking—mess-free and super fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A mix of beef and pork gives extra flavor. If you’re looking for leaner options, ground turkey or chicken work too! Just expect a milder taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Breadcrumbs: I love using plain breadcrumbs to soak up flavors. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. It’ll still hold everything together nicely!
Honey: This gives the meatballs their sweetness. If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great alternatives for a similar result.
Chili Garlic Sauce: It adds a spicy kick. If you want less heat, use a milder hot sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor. Adjust to your heat preference!
How Can I Get Perfectly Juicy Meatballs?
To keep meatballs juicy, follow these tips:
- Mix lightly: Overmixing leads to tough meatballs. Gently combine ingredients just until mixed.
- Well-moistened mixture: Soaking breadcrumbs in milk ensures moisture in each bite.
- Brown on high heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps create a nice crust while locking in flavors. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it’s better to do this in batches.
By following these tips, you’ll have meatballs that everyone will love! Serve them warm, and enjoy the compliments!
Sweet And Spicy Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2-3 tbsp chili garlic sauce (such as sambal oelek) or more to taste
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk. This will make your meatballs super moist and tender!
2. Mix in The Other Ingredients:
Add the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the bowl. Mix gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your meatballs to stay tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for easy eating!
4. Cook The Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking them in batches if your skillet is small. Brown the meatballs on all sides and cook through, about 8-10 minutes total. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes deliciously gooey.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. This step really does make a difference!
7. Coat the Meatballs:
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce until they’re evenly coated and glowing with goodness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving plate, garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor, and serve them hot. Enjoy these sweet and spicy meatballs as a snack, appetizer, or over rice or noodles as a hearty meal!
Dig in and savor every bite of these tasty meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it can be drier than beef, so you might want to add a little extra moisture, such as a splash more of milk or a bit of grated onion.
Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour. They will still hold their shape and taste delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well! Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Feel free to start with less chili garlic sauce and gradually increase it to your taste. You can also add extra black pepper or even some crushed red pepper flakes for more heat!
