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- 1 pound ground chicken (or beef) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to spice preference) - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) To make spicy honey garlic meatballs, you need quality ingredients. Ground chicken or beef is your base. Ground chicken gives a lighter taste, while beef adds richness. Mix in breadcrumbs for texture and Parmesan for flavor. An egg acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs together. Don't forget the seasonings! Minced garlic adds depth. Fresh ginger brings warmth. Soy sauce gives umami. Sriracha adds the heat. Adjust it to your liking. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes! - 1/2 cup honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) For the sauce, honey is the star. It adds sweetness and sticky goodness. Apple cider vinegar balances the flavors with a tangy kick. Sesame oil adds a nutty note. Once the meatballs bake, coat them in this sauce. It transforms the dish. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. This simple mix makes a bold and tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your meatballs cook evenly. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the meatballs not to stick. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sriracha, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Next, shape the mixture into meatballs. Each should be about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Now, bake the meatballs in your preheated oven. Set a timer for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown when they are done. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix honey, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture until it is warm and well combined. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha to taste. Once your meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss the meatballs gently to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce. Serve the meatballs warm. Garnish them with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. They are perfect on their own or with rice, noodles, or as a delicious appetizer. Enjoy your meal! To make great meatballs, mix your ingredients well. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and cheese in a bowl. Use your hands to blend everything. This helps create a smooth texture. Don't overmix; just combine until it's one mixture. The egg acts as a binder. It helps keep the meatballs moist. Try to shape them evenly, about one inch in size. This ensures they cook at the same rate. You can adjust the spice levels easily. If you like heat, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes. For milder meatballs, skip the flakes or reduce the sriracha. You can also switch proteins. Ground beef works great if you prefer it. Or try turkey for a leaner option. Each protein will give a different taste. Serve spicy honey garlic meatballs with rice or noodles. Both absorb the sauce well and add balance. Vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans also pair nicely. For drinks, consider a light white wine. A fruity Riesling complements the spice and sweetness. If you prefer soda, a ginger ale can add a refreshing touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor of your meatballs, making them more aromatic and delicious. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance and preference. Keep Meatballs Uniform: For even cooking, ensure that all meatballs are the same size. Using a cookie scoop can help with this. Serve with a Side: These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice or noodles, so consider serving them as part of a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can change the proteins in this recipe. Instead of ground chicken, try ground turkey or beef. Both choices work well and give a different taste. If you want a lighter option, go for ground turkey. It keeps the meatballs juicy and flavorful. For gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use oats or crushed rice cakes. These alternatives work well and keep the meatballs together. You can play with sauces to change the flavor. Try barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. It adds a nice sweetness too. Teriyaki sauce is another tasty choice. It gives a sweet and salty kick. If you prefer a creamy sauce, mix sour cream with garlic and herbs. It makes a rich dip for your meatballs. You can even blend cream cheese with honey for a sweet cream sauce. Spicy honey garlic meatballs can be served in many ways. For a fun meal, make meatball subs. Just place the meatballs in a soft roll and add some cheese. You can also serve them as appetizers. Just place toothpicks in each meatball, and let guests grab them. For a creative twist, serve them over rice or noodles. It makes a tasty, complete meal. To keep your spicy honey garlic meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the cooled meatballs in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will last for about three to four days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. - Best practices for refrigeration: - Let the meatballs cool completely before sealing. - Use a shallow container to help them cool fast. - Freezing guidelines: - Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Freeze them for about one hour until firm. - Transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheating your meatballs correctly keeps them tasty and juicy. - Best methods for reheating: - Use the oven at 350°F (175°C). - Heat them for about 15-20 minutes until warm. - You can also microwave them for quick reheating. - Maintaining texture and flavor: - Add a splash of water or sauce when microwaving. - Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. These tips help you enjoy your spicy honey garlic meatballs even after the first serving! To keep meatballs together, use binding agents like egg and breadcrumbs. Mix the ingredients gently. If you overmix, the meatballs can become tough. Shape them carefully into balls, about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly and stay intact. Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape and bake them, then let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. You can also make the sauce ahead of time. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Try serving them over rice or noodles. You can also enjoy them with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, serve them in a meatball sub with melted cheese. You can use frozen meatballs, but adjust the cooking time. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Make sure they are fully heated through. Toss them in the honey garlic sauce as you would with fresh meatballs. This blog post covered how to make spicy honey garlic meatballs from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients like ground meat, sauce components, and baking methods. You learned effective techniques for mixing and shaping, as well as tips for customizing flavors and ensuring the perfect meatball. Remember, experimenting with ingredients or sauces can make this dish your own. Enjoy these delicious meatballs at your next meal or gathering!

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a spicy honey garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken (or beef)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sriracha, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until heated and well mixed. Adjust with more sriracha for desired spiciness.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

Adjust sriracha according to your spice preference.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, honey garlic, meatballs, spicy