Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with these Sweet and Spicy Meatballs, a dish that beautifully balances flavors to satisfy every palate. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or as a main course for family dinners, these meatballs are coated in a tangy sauce that’s both sweet and fiery. The combination of ground meat, spices, and a delectable glaze makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ketchup, and sesame oil. Stir until well blended.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the sauce while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot, either on their own or over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.