Firecracker Meatballs

by Kayla Berman on September 25, 2023 0 comments

Get ready to set your tastebuds ablaze with my delectable Asian-inspired Firecracker Meatballs — a dish that’s as explosively delicious as it sounds. Featuring tender, succulent meatballs bathed in a tantalizing blend of spicy, sweet, and saucy goodness, with just a hint of creaminess to tie it all together, a bowl of these easy Asian meatballs and rice is sure to satisfy your every craving.

Looking for some similar recipes? Check out my Beef with Garlic Sauce or Ground Turkey Teriyaki.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Spicy Meatball Recipe

If the TikTok “swicy” trend has been calling your name, you’ve got to try my firecracker meatballs over rice. These Asian-style meatballs are tender, flavorful, and bathed in a delicious homemade firecracker sauce that’ll titillate your tongue.

As if that weren’t enough to convince you, these sweet n’ spicy meatballs are also:

Quick & Easy – There’s not a lot of chopping required, so prep takes just 20 minutes or less. These Asian-glazed meatballs are the ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner!
Meal Prep-Friendly – While they’re a snap to whip up on a weeknight, all my Type A planners out there can rest assured that these Asian beef meatballs can also be made over the weekend and heated up later in the week.
Deeply Satisfying – Serve these Asian meatballs over a bed of fluffy, sticky rice alongside some steamed broccoli for a protein-packed, well-balanced meal that’ll fill you up without weighing you down.

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this Asian meatball recipe – just some ground beef along with pantry staples and aromatics. Here’s exactly what to grab:

Ground Beef – I typically reach for a lean 93/7 blend, but 85/15 will work well, too!
Panko Breadcrumbs – For binding. Generally speaking, I use Japanese Panko for everything because it’s lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. Feel free to swap in traditional or homemade breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
Egg – This is another important binding ingredient. If eggs are a no-no, you should be able to swap in a vegan liquid egg alternative (e.g. JUST Eggs).
Soy Sauce – For a perfect hit of salty, umami goodness.
Garlic & Ginger – Adding plenty of fresh aromatics makes this Asian meatballs recipe extra delicious. In a pinch, you’re welcome to swap in jarred minced garlic and refrigerated or frozen ginger paste to cut back on prep time.
Green Onions – You’ll want the white and pale green parts to add yummy oniony flavor to the meatballs, but save the pretty greens for your garnish!
Buffalo Sauce – I’m a diehard fan of Frank’s Red Hot, but feel free to use the hot sauce brand you prefer!
Honey – For a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup. Even brown sugar could work if it’s all you have on hand!
Light Mayo – For emulsifying the spicy firecracker sauce into a creamy, dreamy delight without adding too much fat. You could also swap in sour cream if you’d like.

ingredients needed to make asian firecracker meatballs measured out into bowls on a white table.

homemade firecracker sauce ingredients measured out into bowls on a white table.

Equipment

How To Make Easy Firecracker Meatballs

This simple recipe for meatballs with rice is about to become your favorite mid-week meal. Here’s how it’s made:

Prep. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 1: Make Meatball Mixture. Add the ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and the chopped scallion whites to a large mixing bowl. Combine thoroughly.

process shot of all the firecracker meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl.

firecracker meatball mixture after mixing to combine.

Step 2: Shape. Roll the meat mixture into about 2 tablespoon-sized meatballs. You should be able to make 12 meatballs. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

12 raw meatballs rolled and placed on a baking sheet.

process shot - firecracker meatballs on a baking sheet after baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Firecracker Sauce. Add the buffalo sauce, honey, light mayo, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger to another mixing bowl. Combine thoroughly. A whisk or electric frother whisk is helpful here.

Step 5: Toss. Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and add to the firecracker sauce. Toss carefully and thoroughly to combine.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy! Serve meatballs with white rice and veggies, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and dig in!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

While I love this meatball and rice recipe just the way it is written, there are plenty of ways for you to make it your own. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Gluten-Free – Swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep these sticky meatballs celiac-friendly.
Egg-Free – Feel free to use the vegan liquid egg substitute of your choice, or use about 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt instead.
Different Meat – If beef isn’t your favorite, consider making firecracker chicken meatballs instead. You can also use ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground bison if you prefer.
More or Less Spicy – Adjust the spice level as needed. You’re welcome to add more honey or mayo to mellow it out if it tastes too spicy for you. If you’re worried, you can also just start with less than ⅓ cup buffalo sauce and add more to taste. Alternatively, feel free to amp up the heat with some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Expert Tips

Whisk the egg in the bowl first before adding the remaining ingredients. This will ensure a more even distribution of the whites and yolks throughout the meat mixture.
Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than their conventional breadcrumb bretheren. If possible, use them for the lightest, most tender meatball consistency.
If you have one, a handheld mixer or milk frother is a great tool for combining the firecracker sauce ingredients. It’s not necessary – you can totally make it work with just a fork or whisk – but it makes short work of incorporating everything into the light mayo.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile firecracker sauce meatballs are sure to please any palate and fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Firecracker Meatball Bowl: For a quick and wholesome weeknight dinner, serve these fiery meatballs over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice with broccoli or green beans. Top them with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a generous garnish of finely chopped green onions for that extra pop of flavor and color. My raw carrot salad would be a great addition too!
Meatball Stir-Fry: Transform your Firecracker Meatballs into a zesty stir-fry by pairing them with crisp sesame oil stir-fried vegetables and your favorite noodles. Drizzle some extra firecracker sauce over the top for an explosion of asian flavors.
Meatball Meal Prep: These meatballs are meal prep heaven! Whip up a batch on the weekend and divide them into containers with steamed or roasted broccoli and cauliflower rice for a healthy, low-carb lunch option. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for added flair.
Meatball Salad: Want a lighter option? Toss these mouthwatering meatballs onto a crisp side salad loaded with fresh greens, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet carrots. Finish it off with a drizzle of your favorite Asian-inspired dressing.
Meatball Bento Box: Make lunchtime exciting by packing these meatballs into a bento box. Include a serving of steamed or sautéed veggies, a side of zoodles or rice noodles, and a mini container of dipping sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the meatballs for that Instagram-worthy touch that’ll make your office mates jealous.
Asian Meatball Subs: Stuff them into a crusty baguette, add some quick-pickled veggies, and drizzle with extra spicy sauce for a delectable Bahn Mi-style sandwich that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Or serve in lettuce wraps for a lovely low carb meal!
Firecracker Skewers: Turn your meatballs into a great appetizer or party dish by skewering them and serving them as finger food. Thread them with colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a burst of flavor and color. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. It would be a fabulous dish to serve at your next game day celebration!

FAQs

What is firecracker sauce?

Firecracker sauce is akin to a flavor-packed celebration in your mouth, a zesty, spicy, and slightly sweet Asian-inspired concoction that truly knows how to awaken your tastebuds. Envision a medley of fiery red chili heat, a delicate touch of honey’s sweetness, a savory punch from soy sauce, all rounded off with a subtle creaminess that ties it all together.

This creamy sauce is all about balance. The heat and the sweet come together to create a taste sensation that’s perfect for livening up everything from meatballs to stir-fries. It’s versatile, lip-smackingly delicious, and it’s the secret behind the fiery, flavor-packed experience of our Firecracker Meatballs. 🌶️🍯

Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely! I’ve made this meatball rice recipe with beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, all with excellent results! Just make sure you don’t reach for ground meat that’s *too* lean, or you’ll risk them drying out in the oven.

How should I store leftovers? Can they be frozen?

Wondering how to keep those amazing sweet and spicy meatballs tasting fantastic even after the party’s over? Not to worry — storing your leftovers is a piece of cake.

First things first, if you’ve got any sauce left, separate it from the meatballs. Then, pop your meatballs into an airtight container. Store the sauce in a separate container to maintain the meatballs’ texture. You can use a small container or even a zip-top bag if that’s handy.

As for freezing, go for it! Place your meatballs in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, with your sauce in a separate freezer-safe container. They should keep well for up to 2 months if frozen properly.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. And there you go, a taste of that delicious flavor party whenever you want it! 🌶️🍯❄️

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