To celebrate National Meatball Day on March 9th! I’m excited to make Firecracker Meatballs. These meatballs will explore your mouth with a blend of spices, a hint of sweetness, and a fiery kick.
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Firecracker meatballs recipe
Firecracker Meatballs are a flavorful, Asian-inspired dish known for their spicy and savory profile. The secret to these explosive meatballs lies in the perfect balance of ingredients: ground meat, garlic and ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes.
But the most important feature of this dish is the sauce. A sticky, glossy glaze made from a magical melding of soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive. Each bite of these meatballs is a flavor explosion that leaves you craving more.
So here’s how to make Firecracker Meatballs:
Firecracker Meatballs
Ingredients
For meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat beef, pork, chicken, turkey or a combination
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha sauce until smooth.
- Brush or spoon the sauce over each meatball, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Put the meatballs on the baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and caramelized, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Variations
Oven-baking helps you achieve perfectly cooked meatballs. This technique ensures even heat distribution, resulting in uniformly cooked meatballs with a delightful texture. However, you can apply other cooking methods to make these meatballs.
1. Air Fryer Method
This method yields crispy exteriors and juicy interiors while using minimal oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the shaped meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned, remove them from the air fryer. Serve the meatballs with the remaining sauce for dipping or drizzle the sauce over the cooked meatballs before serving.
2. Crockpot (Slow Cooker) Method
- Place the shaped meatballs in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Once done, you can keep the crockpot on the “warm” setting until ready to serve.
3. Pan-Frying
Pan-frying remains a beloved method for cooking meatballs, as it imparts a delectable crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent interior.
Pan-Frying Tips:
- Rotate meatballs frequently for uniform browning
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution
- Maintain medium-high heat to achieve the perfect sear
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan
4. Grilling
Grilling firecracker meatballs adds a delightful smoky nuance that complements their spicy-sweet profile. This method shines during outdoor gatherings and barbecues. This technique allows for greater control over the cooking process
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Oil grates to prevent sticking
- Grill meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes
- Brush with glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking
Pairing and Serving suggestions
1. As an Appetizer
- Enjoy with the meatball sauce (above)
- Soup: Add the meatballs to a flavorful broth along with vegetables and noodles to create a hearty and comforting soup. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.
2. As a Main Course
To serve these meatballs as a main course, you can pair them with:
- A bowl of rice
- Jasmine rice: Light and fragrant
- Coconut rice: Adds a subtle sweetness
- Brown rice: Offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber
- Forbidden black rice: Provides a dramatic presentation and earthy taste
- Stir-fried vegetables with sesame oil: bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and broccoli
- Crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing for a refreshing contrast to the spicy meatballs.
- Noodles: Toss the meatballs with cooked noodles, such as spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles, for a tasty and filling meal. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds
- Garlic-ginger bok choy
- Sandwiches: Load the meatballs onto crusty rolls or soft buns and top with sliced cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a delicious sandwich option. Add a dollop of mayo or aioli.
- Wraps and breads
- For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs in large lettuce leaves with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sauce
- These can be used to create meatball subs topped with cheese and additional sauce.
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