These Honey Sriracha Meatballs are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors! Made with ground meat, honey, and Sriracha sauce, they’re perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Who doesn’t love meatballs? They’re like little flavor bombs! I like to serve them with rice or on their own—just be ready for some spicy bites that might have you reaching for a drink! 😅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for a rich flavor, but you can easily swap in ground pork, turkey, or chicken. Each brings a unique taste and vibe to the dish.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great for binding the meatballs. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats.
Green Onions: These add a fresh taste! If you don’t have them, shallots or even finely chopped sweet onions can work well. Just use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Honey: This is key for sweetness! If you want a lower sugar alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes.
Sriracha: It adds a nice kick! If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or use a milder hot sauce. For more complex flavor, try adding a little chili paste.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Tender and Juicy?
The right technique for mixing and shaping meatballs is crucial for tenderness. Here are some tips to keep them perfect:
- Mix Gently: Combine ingredients just until mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs!
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps to shape your meatballs evenly and keeps them consistent in size.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When cooking in a skillet, give the meatballs space. This ensures they brown evenly and don’t steam.
Following these steps will result in delicious, tender meatballs you’ll be proud to serve!
Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with pork or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to make these fantastic meatballs. Perfect for a quick dinner or party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your meatballs tender and juicy!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to shape your meatballs! Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they’re all around the same size for even cooking.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary—don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned all over and cooked through. You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 160°F (70°C).
4. Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until well combined.
5. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour the honey Sriracha sauce over them. Gently stir to ensure all meatballs are evenly coated with the delicious glaze!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Allow the meatballs to cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and adhere nicely to the meatballs.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your meatballs with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely presentation. Serve hot, either as a standalone appetizer or over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Enjoy the sweet, spicy, and sticky flavor explosion of these Honey Sriracha Meatballs!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for the Meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground pork, turkey, or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef. Each type of meat brings its own flavor, so feel free to use your favorite!
What If I Don’t Have Sriracha Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of Sriracha, you can use any other hot sauce you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary, so adjust the amount to your heat preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just make sure to cool them completely before freezing. To reheat, warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This can save time on busy days!
