🍖 Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
⏱️ Total Time: ~35 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef & pork
-
1 egg
-
¼ cup breadcrumbs
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional)
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
-
½ cup chili sauce or ketchup
-
¼ cup brown sugar or honey
-
2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
-
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
-
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (optional, to thicken)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet on medium heat.
-
In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined.
-
Form into small 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet or skillet.
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes or pan-fry for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
2. Make the Sauce:
-
In a saucepan or large skillet, combine all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry).
-
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
-
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze.
-
Stir until slightly thickened.
3. Combine and Serve:
-
Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
-
Simmer together for 5 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
🌿 Garnish & Serve With:
-
Chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro
-
Steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or toothpicks for appetizers
-
A squeeze of lime for extra brightness
🔄 Variations:
-
Turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option
-
Add a spoon of pineapple juice for a tropical twist
-
Mix in a bit of hoisin sauce or gochujang for extra depth
Would you like a slow cooker version, or something gluten-free or keto?