These Sweet & Spicy Meatballs pack a flavorful punch with a tasty mix of sweet and heat! Perfect for a party or a family dinner, they’re juicy and full of zest.
I can’t help but snack on these while cooking. The mix of flavors makes them so hard to resist! Serve them with toothpicks for a fun touch—everyone will love them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I love a mix of beef and pork for these meatballs, but you can use just ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Chicken also works well if you’re looking for something leaner!
Breadcrumbs: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko can do the trick. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oatmeal instead!
Cheese: Parmesan adds a great flavor, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option if needed.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is key for the sauce’s flavor. If you can’t find it, mix equal parts sugar and hot sauce to get a similar sweet and spicy taste. Adjust to your liking!
Sriracha: For more heat, feel free to add more sriracha or any other hot sauce you enjoy. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Tender?
Keeping meatballs moist and tender can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Just blend until combined—this helps them stay light.
- Make sure to include breadcrumbs and milk; these ingredients add moisture.
- Shape the meatballs gently; firm pressure can make them dense.
- Cook them in batches without overcrowding; this helps them brown nicely without steaming.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly tender meatballs every time! Enjoy making them!
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha or other hot chili sauce (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to enjoy these tasty meatballs! Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs may turn out dense!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small amounts of the mixture and shape them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, after removing the meatballs, add minced garlic and ginger (if using) to the leftover oil. Sauté briefly until aromatic, which will only take about 30 seconds. Then, add sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, and sriracha to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in that delicious sauce until they are well-coated and heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the sticky and flavorful meatballs to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, either as a delightful appetizer with toothpicks or alongside rice or noodles for a filling main dish.
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in these delicious meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey tends to cook faster than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts honey and hot sauce. This will give you a similar sweet and spicy flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the meatballs ahead! Shape them and store uncooked in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to adjust cooking times if cooking from frozen!