Description
Spicy firecracker meatballs offer a tantalizing blend of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates. Korean-style ground beef creates an irresistible appetizer perfect for gatherings and bold flavor enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
- ⅓ cup (80 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsps honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prep Meatball Base: In a large mixing bowl, delicately blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing minimally to preserve meat’s delicate texture.
- Shape and Initial Cooking: Mold the mixture into 12 consistent spheres and arrange on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 425F (220C) oven for 12-15 minutes until exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 165F/74C.
- Craft Firecracker Sauce: Simultaneously, create a vibrant sauce by combining hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and develops a glossy, thick consistency.
- Final Coating and Presentation: Transfer the perfectly cooked meatballs to a large bowl and thoroughly coat with the spicy firecracker sauce. Serve elegantly over rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a gourmet touch.
Notes
- Minimize Meat Mixing: Handle ground meat gently to prevent tough, dense meatballs. Over-mixing causes protein strands to become tight, resulting in rubbery texture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F/74C for safe, perfectly cooked meatballs without drying out.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce quantities to match personal heat preference. Start with less, then gradually increase for balanced flavor.
- Sauce Consistency Tip: Watch sauce while simmering, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The ideal thickness coats meatballs smoothly without becoming too sticky or runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 324
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg