Description
Spicy firecracker meatballs bring Korean-inspired zest to dinner tables with bold, tangy flavors. Crispy exterior and juicy centers create an irresistible combination you’ll crave for weeknight comfort meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- ⅓ cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
- ⅓ cup (80 grams) packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light grease coating.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix minimally to maintain meatball tenderness.
- Form the meat mixture into 12 uniformly sized spheres, carefully placing each on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F/74C.
- While meatballs cook, craft the fiery sauce by whisking hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring intermittently, until it thickens and develops a glossy consistency, approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer the fully cooked meatballs to a large mixing bowl and generously coat with the prepared firecracker sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Present the glazed meatballs atop rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra flourish.
Notes
- Choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
- Use a light touch when mixing meatball ingredients to prevent dense, tough texture – gently combine just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Consider gluten-free options by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing red pepper flakes for mild versions or adding extra for an intense heat experience that suits individual preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg