Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Print View)
Spicy firecracker meatballs glazed in sweet-heat sauce, served with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables.
# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef or pork, or a combination
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce, or to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
→ Rice & Vegetables
15 - 1 1/4 cups jasmine rice
16 - 2 cups water
17 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
18 - 1 large carrot, julienned
19 - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
20 - 3.5 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
21 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
22 - Additional sliced scallions, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 16–20 small, even meatballs. Arrange on prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and thoroughly cooked.
04 - Meanwhile, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Reserve sauce.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté carrot, bell pepper, and green beans for 4–5 minutes until just tender but crisp. Lightly season with salt.
07 - When meatballs are cooked, toss gently with about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Serve glazed meatballs over jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables alongside. Drizzle with remaining firecracker sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The magic happens when the sweet, sticky glaze meets the juicy meatballs—your taste buds will never suspect how easy it is.
- It’s the perfect solution for spicing up weeknight dinners that might otherwise blend together.
02 -
- If you overmix the meatball mixture, you'll end up with dense results—be light-handed.
- I learned that waiting a few extra minutes after baking makes them juicier and easier to toss with sauce.
03 -
- Always taste your sauce before glazing—it’s easier to tweak the spice or sweetness now than later.
- A nonstick sheet or drizzle of oil on parchment paper helps the meatballs caramelize instead of sticking.