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- 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken) - 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper - 1 tablespoon of olive oil - 1/4 cup of honey - 3 tablespoons of soy sauce - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1 teaspoon of sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce) - 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional) - 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional for thickening) To make these spicy honey garlic meatballs, you need simple but powerful ingredients. The meatballs need ground beef or a lighter meat like turkey or chicken. Breadcrumbs add texture. Parmesan cheese gives a savory taste. An egg helps bind everything together. You will also need minced garlic for flavor and spices like red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Olive oil is crucial for frying the meatballs to a golden brown. The sauce is just as important. Honey adds a sweet touch. Soy sauce gives depth to the sauce. You should use more minced garlic and sriracha to kick up the spice. If you want, add sesame oil for a nutty flavor. To thicken the sauce, you can use cornstarch mixed with water. Gather all these ingredients, and you will be on your way to making a bold and flavorful dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} Combine 1 pound of ground meat with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for flavor. Crack in 1 large egg to bind it all together. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. This step is key for a tasty meatball. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning until they are brown on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures your meatballs are safe to eat. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha for heat. If you like, stir in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for extra flavor. Pour this sauce into the skillet used for the meatballs. Bring it to a gentle simmer. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce. Stir until it thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce until they are fully coated. Let them cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. To get the best meatball texture, adjust the breadcrumbs based on moisture. If your mix is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it feels dry, add a bit of water or an extra egg. Use gentle hands when forming meatballs. Overworking the meat can make them tough. Remember, you want soft, juicy meatballs! You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. If you want to boost the heat, explore different spices. Chipotle powder or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick. For less spice, reduce the red pepper flakes or sriracha. This recipe is flexible, so make it your own! For a beautiful presentation, serve meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle extra Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce over them. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These add color and texture. Pair the meatballs with steamed rice or a fresh salad. They also make tasty appetizers at parties! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and sriracha in the sauce to suit your personal spice tolerance for a perfect balance. Chill the Mixture: If you find the meatball mixture too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls to make it easier to handle. Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture before cooking. {{image_4}} You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options are lighter and still tasty. They keep the meatballs juicy and delicious. If you want a vegetarian or vegan choice, try using lentils. Cooked lentils can give a nice texture and flavor. Just mash them slightly before mixing them with the other ingredients. You can change the sweetness in the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For less sweetness, cut back on the honey. You can also explore different hot sauce brands. Each brand has its own flavor. Some sauces are milder, while others pack a punch. Pick one that matches your taste. Boost the flavor by adding fresh herbs or spices. Chopped cilantro or basil can add freshness. You can also try adding vegetables to the meat mixture. Finely chopped bell peppers or onions can work well. This adds color and nutrition to your meatballs. Feel free to get creative with the flavors! To store leftovers, place meatballs in a shallow container. This helps them cool quickly. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. I recommend glass or plastic containers. They help avoid strong odors in your fridge. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze meatballs and sauce, wait until they cool completely. Place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in a skillet over low heat. This keeps them juicy and tasty. To maintain freshness, always check for spoilage. Signs include a sour smell or color change. If you see any mold, throw the meatballs away. Use your senses to judge their quality. Proper storage will help keep your spicy honey garlic meatballs delicious! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. They store well in the fridge. I recommend cooking them first, then cooling them down. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. They last for about three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. These meatballs go great with many sides. Here are my top picks: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Stir-fried vegetables - Noodles - Fresh salad Each side adds its own flavor and texture. Choose what you love most! To change the spice level, you can add or remove red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, try adding more sriracha. For less heat, use fewer red pepper flakes. Always taste and adjust as you go. This way, you find the perfect balance for your taste. Yes, you can make the sauce in advance. Just mix all the sauce ingredients and store in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week. When ready to use, just warm it up in a pan or microwave. This saves time on busy days. Absolutely! These meatballs freeze well. To freeze, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for about three months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stove. Safe and easy! You learned how to make tasty meatballs and spicy honey garlic sauce. Start with quality ingredients, mix carefully, and cook to the right temperature. Remember to adjust bread and seasoning for perfect texture. You can experiment with different meats, spice levels, and flavorful tweaks. Store leftovers safely for later enjoyment. With these tips, you can create a dish that pleases everyone. Enjoy your cooking and share your success with friends and family!

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course/Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil, allowing it to heat up.
  • Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them; cook in batches if necessary. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked. Once they're done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sriracha, and sesame oil until well blended.
  • Pour the sauce into the skillet used for the meatballs, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce until they are completely coated. Allow them to cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they are heated through and infused with flavor.
  • Once finished, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or as an appetizer. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for presentation.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, spicy