These honey sriracha meatballs are a fun mix of sweet and spicy! Made with ground meat, honey, and a kick of sriracha, they are packed with flavor and super easy to make.
I love serving these meatballs with rice or in sliders. They’re always a hit at parties! Just be careful—once you start, you might not want to stop eating them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice! For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try using cooked lentils or a meat substitute to keep the meatball shape.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer using panko for extra crunch. However, you can use plain breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if that’s what you have. Gluten-free options are also available.
Sriracha Sauce: This gives the meatballs their signature heat! If you want it milder, substitute with a bit of ketchup mixed with hot sauce, or swap in some chili garlic sauce for a different flavor.
Honey: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, try maple syrup or agave for a similar taste.
How Can I Make Perfect Meatballs That Hold Together?
Getting the meatballs to hold together can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t overmix the ingredients, just combine until everything is moistened.
- Be sure to chill the meatballs for about 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them firm up!
- Make sure to shape them evenly. A consistent size helps them cook evenly.
Following these tips will help ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly every time!
Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust heat to preference)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick meal at about 30 minutes in total. Plus, the flavors come together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier later on!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, put together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and parsley (if you’re using it). Gently mix everything together until just combined—don’t overdo it!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put your meatballs in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Turn them halfway through, so they brown evenly. They’re ready when they’re cooked through and golden brown!
5. Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, it’s sauce time! In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to bubble and thicken a bit—around 3-5 minutes is perfect! Once ready, remove it from the heat.
6. Toss the Meatballs:
Once your meatballs are out of the oven and nice and hot, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey sriracha sauce over them and gently toss until they’re well coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the delicious meatballs over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy touch. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy your sweet and spicy Honey Sriracha Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey meatballs can be a bit more delicate, so you might want to handle them gently when mixing and shaping.
Is There a Way to Make the Sauce Less Spicy?
Yes! If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha to suit your taste. You can also mix in a little extra honey or even some ketchup to balance the heat while keeping that sweet flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Definitely! You can freeze uncooked meatballs before baking them. Just shape them, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time in the oven.
