Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and zesty flavors, making them an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for a fun appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. The combination of ground beef or pork, combined with a tangy-sweet sauce, brings a balanced heat that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little spice in their meals.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
How to Make This Recipe
Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, eggs, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Mix everything together until well combined. It’s best to use your hands to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Stir the ingredients together and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level by adding more honey or sriracha, depending on your preference.
Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips for Recipe Success
Meatball Texture: For a tender meatball, don’t overmix the ingredients. Just combine them until everything is evenly distributed.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes to control the heat. You can also add a little brown sugar to balance out the spice.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are versatile and can be served in many ways:
As an appetizer: Serve on toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
Over rice: Place the meatballs on a bed of steamed rice for a full meal.
With noodles: Pair with spaghetti or any noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish.
In a sandwich: Serve in a soft bun for a delicious meatball sub.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can make and bake the meatballs up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze these meatballs? Absolutely! After baking, allow the meatballs to cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of meats for different flavor profiles. Just be mindful of the fat content, as lean meats may need additional binding agents.
Serving and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Enjoy your sweet, spicy, and savory meatballs! Whether you serve them at a gathering or as part of a hearty meal, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!