These Honey Sriracha Meatballs are a sweet and spicy treat that everyone will love! They’re made with juicy ground meat coated in a delicious glaze of honey and Sriracha sauce.
Making these meatballs is a breeze! I like to serve them with rice or noodles, and they always disappear fast. Perfect for a fun dinner or as an appetizer at a party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This serves as the base for your meatballs. You can use ground pork or turkey for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a leaner meat, turkey works well!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs give great texture, but panko can add a nice crunch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a good substitute if needed.
Honey: This is essential for sweetness. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used instead.
Sriracha sauce: For heat, Sriracha is perfect, but if you prefer milder flavors, try using sweet chili sauce or even barbecue sauce.
How Do I Keep My Meatballs Tender?
Keeping meatballs tender is all about how you mix and cook them. Here are some tips:
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to keep them moist. This helps the meatballs stay soft.
- Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them dense, so just combine until everything is mixed.
- Cook them over medium heat. This allows for a nice brown crust while avoiding the risk of drying them out.
Following these steps will help you create delicious, tender meatballs every time!
How to Make Honey Sriracha 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 milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend just a little time mixing and shaping the meatballs before enjoying this delicious and spicy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes until soft. Then, add the ground meat, egg, minced garlic, 1/4 cup green onions, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep your meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs depending on the size you choose.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. They don’t have to be fully cooked through at this point; you’ll finish cooking them later. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
In a small saucepan (or the same skillet you’ve used for the meatballs, wiped clean), combine the honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Remove from heat after thickening.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the meatballs are covered evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your tasty Honey Sriracha Meatballs as an appetizer or serve them over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for an exciting meal!
Enjoy your flavorful Honey Sriracha Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be slightly drier, so keeping an eye on your cooking time is key to ensuring they stay tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make the Sauce Milder?
Yes! To tone down the heat from the Sriracha, you can use a smaller amount or substitute with sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor with a hint of sweetness. Adjust it according to your taste preference!
Can I Bake the Meatballs Instead of Frying Them?
Definitely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, turning halfway for even cooking. This is a great option if you’re looking to cut back on oil!
