Description
Firecracker meatballs explode with tantalizing Thai-inspired flavors, blending zesty chili sauce and honey for an irresistible kick. Perfectly balanced between heat and sweetness, you’ll crave these addictive little bites that promise a culinary adventure in every single mouthful.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) 80% lean ground beef (or ½ ground beef, ½ ground pork)
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (40 grams) finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Firecracker Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) honey
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) soy sauce
Instructions
- Craft a well-ventilated cooking environment by positioning oven rack in central position and heating to 400°F. Cover a rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil and apply a light culinary spray to prevent adhesion.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately amalgamate ground beef with whisked egg, crisp panko crumbs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, umami-rich soy sauce, and complementary seasoning. Blend ingredients with gentle precision, avoiding excessive manipulation to maintain tender texture.
- Utilize a uniform portioning tool to sculpt uniform spherical morsels approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange meatballs strategically across prepared baking surface, ensuring adequate spacing for consistent thermal circulation.
- Transfer tray to preheated oven, allowing meatballs to roast for 17-20 minutes. Midway through cooking duration, rotate protein parcels to guarantee comprehensive golden-brown caramelization on all surfaces.
- Simultaneously, construct a vibrant firecracker sauce by whisking together creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, golden honey, robust soy sauce, and incendiary sriracha until achieving a harmonious, glossy consistency.
- Upon completing roasting process, immediately transfer piping-hot meatballs into sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive and elegant coating. Present these zesty protein gems atop fluffy rice, tender noodles, or caramelized roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Customize meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for varied flavor profiles and texture variations.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Reduce spice intensity by adjusting sriracha quantity or using mild hot sauce for sensitive palates while maintaining delicious flavor complexity.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing meatballs and sauce ahea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg