These Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are a tasty blend of flavors that everyone loves! With a little kick from spices and a touch of sweetness, they are perfect for any gathering.
They’re so fun to eat! I always serve them with toothpicks, and they disappear before you know it. Plus, they make a great snack or appetizer any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like a mix of beef and pork for added flavor, but you can use just beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a plant-based substitute, try lentils or chickpeas blended into a paste.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs, but panko can give an extra crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, there are great gluten-free breadcrumb options available, or you can use crushed gluten-free crackers.
Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce is my go-to for that perfect balance of heat and sweetness. If you want a spicier kick, use a spicy chili sauce or buffalo sauce. You can also make a homemade version from scratch using crushed tomatoes, sugar, and spices.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Honey adds a nice floral sweetness, but maple syrup or agave syrup works well too! For a lower-sugar option, coconut sugar can be a great substitute.
How Do You Ensure the Meatballs Are Juicy and Tender?
To make juicy meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Just blend the ingredients until they come together, while keeping a gentle hand. Here’s a simple technique:
- Mix in the breadcrumbs last, to avoid toughening up the meat.
- Form small meatballs so they cook evenly. 1 to 1.5 inches is perfect!
- Bake them on parchment paper for easy cleanup and even cooking.
These tips help keep your meatballs deliciously moist and bursting with flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Coat Meatballs in Sauce?
Coating meatballs in sauce can be tricky without breaking them. Here’s the method I find works best:
- Once the meatballs are baked, let them rest for a minute before moving them, allowing them to firm up a bit.
- Use a wide spatula to gently transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce.
- Gently toss them in the sauce, being careful to keep them intact. Let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Following these steps ensures that each meatball is evenly coated in that sweet and spicy glaze!
Sweet And Spicy Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chili sauce or sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Garnishes:
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion or shallots
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet and spicy meatball recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, 20 minutes baking the meatballs, and a little extra time to simmer them in the sauce. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your meatballs don’t stick.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined—remember, no overmixing!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place these on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s get that yummy sauce ready. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together chili sauce, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
When the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the sauce. Gently toss them to coat well in the sweet and spicy goodness. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the sauced meatballs to a serving dish. Top with sliced green onions and chopped white onions for added flavor and a nice crunch!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your sweet and spicy meatballs warm. They are perfect as hors d’oeuvres with toothpicks or served over rice or noodles for a full meal. Enjoy every bite!
These meatballs are the ultimate combination of glossy, sticky sauce with just the right amount of heat, perfectly balanced by sweetness — a hit for any occasion!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a lighter alternative! Just keep in mind that turkey can be leaner, so adding a little extra moisture, like an extra tablespoon of milk, can help keep the meatballs juicy.
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also cook them fully and simply warm them in the sauce right before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup and a pinch of hot sauce or buffalo sauce for a similar sweet and spicy flavor. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!