These honey sriracha meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Made with juicy ground meat and a tasty honey sriracha glaze, they’re sure to please your taste buds.
They’re quick to whip up and make a great snack or dinner option. I love serving them over rice or with toothpicks at parties—who can resist those little flavor bombs? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. I usually go with ground turkey for a leaner option, but beef gives a nice richness. If you’re vegetarian, try using a meat substitute or lentils to create a tasty alternative.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer plain breadcrumbs, but panko can give meatballs a lighter texture. If you’re gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Sriracha Sauce: This adds heat and flavor. If sriracha isn’t your thing, try a hot sauce of your choice or reduce the amount for a milder taste. You can also blend in some chili paste for variability.
Honey: For a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Just remember that using maple syrup will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do You Get Meatballs to Hold Together?
The key to making meatballs that don’t fall apart is in the mixing! Mix your ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine better.
- When shaping the meatballs, be gentle. Roll them gently in your hands to avoid packing them too tightly.
- If they seem too loose, add a little more breadcrumbs. This will help bind them together.
Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Honey Sriracha Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
For Serving (optional):
- Cooked quinoa or rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to bake, so you can have delicious Honey Sriracha Meatballs ready in about 30 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking. This keeps cleanup simple!
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Mix everything gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into about 12 meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. Keep an eye on them!
5. Prepare the Honey Sriracha Glaze:
While the meatballs are baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed and slightly thickened. Remove it from the heat once ready.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm honey sriracha glaze over them. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly in that delicious glaze!
7. Serve and Garnish:
We love serving these meatballs over cooked quinoa or rice for a filling meal. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. They look great and taste even better!
8. Enjoy!
Now you’ve made a delightful batch of Honey Sriracha Meatballs! Dig in and relish the sweet and spicy goodness. Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes! If you have frozen ground meat, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. It’s essential to ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and then bake them just before serving. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead and reheat before serving with the glaze.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or gently warm them in a skillet. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container without the glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Honey Sriracha Meatballs?
These meatballs are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with cooked quinoa, rice, or even steamed vegetables. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for an exciting party snack!
