These sweet and spicy meatballs are a tasty treat perfect for any occasion! They are made with tender ground meat, a hint of sweetness, and just the right kick of spice.
Making these meatballs is so much fun! I love serving them as appetizers or over rice for a cozy dinner. Trust me, you’ll want to keep extras—if they last that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground beef, but a combination of beef and pork adds great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs. Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs; crushed crackers or oats are good substitutes if you need a gluten-free option.
Onions and Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and minced garlic bring an amazing aroma and taste. If you don’t have fresh, you can use onion powder and garlic powder as alternatives.
Honey or Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used. Just adjust to taste!
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Not Dry?
The key to juicy meatballs is not overmixing the meat. Combine the ingredients just until they come together. Also, adding milk and egg helps keeps them moist. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to put the meat mixture in a bowl. Avoid using cold ingredients which might make the meat tough.
- Use wet hands while forming the meatballs; this keeps them moist.
- Cook the meatballs over medium heat. If the heat is too high, they might dry out before cooking through.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Perfectly?
A common struggle is achieving the right sauce consistency. Using cornstarch mixed with water (slurry) is a simple way to thicken sauces. Follow these tips:
- Make sure to stir the sauce while adding the slurry to prevent lumps.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes after adding the slurry; it’ll thicken nicely.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more slurry if needed—just keep it at a simmer to achieve the right texture.
These tips and insights will help you make delicious sweet and spicy meatballs every time!
Sweet And Spicy Meatballs
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce (for spice, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- Garnish:
- 1-2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20-30 minutes for cooking, plus a few minutes for simmering the meatballs in the sauce. In total, you can have these sweet and spicy meatballs ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and crushed red chili flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs could become tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger. Stir well until fully combined.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to coat each meatball fully in the sweet and spicy sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the meatballs warm as a delicious appetizer or over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
These sweet and spicy meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone! 😋
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option! Just be aware that turkey can be a bit drier, so consider adding a little extra milk or breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist.
What If I Don’t Have Sriracha Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have sriracha, you can substitute it with any hot sauce you like, or even use chili paste or red pepper flakes for heat. Just adjust the quantity to match your spice preference!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and either freeze them raw or cooked. If freezing raw, thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, simply add more honey or brown sugar. On the other hand, if you’d like it less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or use a smaller amount of a sugar substitute. Just be sure to taste as you go!
