Description

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know that dinner can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. That’s where my Firecracker Meatballs come in! These little flavor bombs are not just quick to whip up; they’re also a surefire way to impress your family or guests. With a perfect blend of spicy and sweet, they’ll ignite your dinner table with excitement. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll become a go-to recipe for those busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
1/3 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup (80ml) hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1/3 cup (80g) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Scoop out 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the firecracker sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat evenly.
Serve the firecracker meatballs over rice, noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat alternatives.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg