These Honey Sriracha Meatballs are a sweet and spicy treat that everyone loves! Made with juicy ground meat covered in a sticky sauce, they’re packed with flavor.
Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party snack, these meatballs will have your friends asking for the recipe. Trust me, you won’t believe how simple they are to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives a nice flavor and texture, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. A mix of beef and pork is great for added richness!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a light and crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture might be a bit denser.
Fresh Herbs: I love using cilantro for its fresh taste, but green onions are a fantastic substitute if you’re not a fan. Dried herbs can work too, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Sriracha Sauce: It adds heat and sweetness. If you’re sensitive to spice, try using sweet chili sauce instead for a milder approach, or adjust the sriracha to your taste.
How to Shape Meatballs Without Making a Mess?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but here’s a simple method to keep it clean. First, wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking. Then, scoop a portion of the meat mixture (about 1-1.5 inches) and roll it gently into a ball.
- Make sure not to overwork the meat; this keeps your meatballs tender.
- Place the shaped meatballs on a tray, giving them space to breathe while you finish.
This technique will help you create perfectly round meatballs without a sticky mess!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Meatballs?
To achieve the best browning, heat the olive oil in a well-seasoned skillet on medium heat. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from sticking.
- Add the meatballs in batches to avoid crowding. Overcrowding can steam them instead of browning.
- Don’t flip them too early; let them sear for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.
Once browned, let them finish cooking in the sauce for that extra flavor soak!
Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust based on preferred heat level)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking, making a total of approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll enjoy the quick assembly, cooking, and delicious taste in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, large egg, minced garlic, chopped cilantro (or green onions), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently combine everything until just mixed, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Place the shaped meatballs on a tray and set them aside while you prepare for cooking.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger (if using). This will be your flavorful sauce!
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to slightly thicken.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce until they are all well-coated. Allow them to cook in the sauce for another 2 minutes, so they soak up those delicious flavors.
7. Serve the Dish:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nice touch.
8. Enjoy!
These Honey Sriracha Meatballs are fantastic as an appetizer or can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work great and make the dish a bit leaner. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook slightly faster than beef.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or use a sweeter chili sauce instead. You can also add more honey to balance out the heat!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked meatballs or cooked ones. If freezing uncooked, just place them on a baking sheet to harden, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely before freezing.