These Firecracker Meatballs are spicy, savory, and packed with bold flavors that will make your taste buds light up! Made with ground beef and smothered in a spicy, tangy sauce, they’re the perfect appetizer or party snack. Whether you’re serving them at a game day gathering or a casual party, these meatballs will be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Firecracker Meatballs deliver the perfect balance of heat and savory goodness. The combination of ground beef, garlic, and onion provides a hearty base, while the spicy honey sriracha sauce gives each meatball a bold kick. They’re easy to make, bake up quickly, and are ideal for dipping or serving as finger food at any event. Whether you love spice or just enjoy a flavorful bite, these meatballs are sure to please.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
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Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
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In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Drizzle the sauce over the baked meatballs and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 20 meatballs
Variations
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Add Heat: If you love even more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
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Sweet & Spicy: For a sweeter take, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce or use maple syrup instead of honey.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
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Add Veggies: Add finely chopped veggies like carrots or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. You may want to drizzle some extra sauce over the meatballs to keep them moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of these meatballs. The flavor may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving, then drizzle with the sauce.
3. How do I make these meatballs spicier?
Increase the amount of sriracha or add a few dashes of hot sauce for more heat. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
4. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the baked meatballs for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
5. Can I bake these meatballs in a casserole dish instead of on a baking sheet?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a casserole dish, but using a baking sheet allows them to cook more evenly and get a bit crispier on the outside.
6. Can I adjust the sauce to be less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the honey or add more soy sauce to make the sauce less sweet and more savory.
7. What can I serve with these firecracker meatballs?
These meatballs are perfect with rice, noodles, or as an appetizer on their own. Serve them with a side of steamed veggies, or pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
8. How do I know when the meatballs are done baking?
The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
9. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you’re serving more people. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets or a large enough baking dish to accommodate all the meatballs.
10. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just heat it up before drizzling over the meatballs.
Conclusion
Firecracker Meatballs are a spicy, savory, and downright irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With a bold sriracha and honey sauce, these meatballs are packed with flavor and heat, making them a hit with anyone who loves spicy food. Quick, easy, and packed with punch, they’re ideal for parties, weeknight meals, or just as a fun snack!
Print
Firecracker Meatballs
Firecracker Meatballs are spicy, savory, and packed with bold flavors. Made with ground beef and smothered in a tangy sriracha-honey sauce, these meatballs are the perfect appetizer or party snack. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re ideal for game day or any casual gathering and will be a hit with spice lovers!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
-
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
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In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Drizzle the sauce over the baked meatballs and serve immediately.
Notes
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Add Heat: If you love more spice, increase the sriracha or add cayenne pepper to the sauce.
-
Sweet & Spicy: Add brown sugar to the sauce or swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor.
-
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
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Veggie Add-ins: Add finely chopped veggies like carrots or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
