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- 1 lb ground chicken (or beef) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) For the meatballs, I like to use ground chicken for a lighter dish. Beef also works well if you prefer a richer flavor. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan add great texture and taste. - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken) This sauce is the star of the dish. The honey gives a sweet touch, while the soy sauce adds depth. The rice vinegar adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly. - Chopped green onions (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Adding green onions and sesame seeds on top makes the dish pop. They not only add flavor, but also look great on the plate. Feel free to mix in other spices or herbs to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add: - 1 lb ground chicken (or beef) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste Mix everything together until it looks well combined. Make sure the egg and spices mix in well. This step is key for flavor. Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet for easy transfer. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. This step helps them brown nicely. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. While the meatballs cook, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, mix together: - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Set the heat to medium and stir the sauce well. Once it starts to simmer, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Once the meatballs are browned, carefully pour the spicy honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an extra 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly. After that, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors! To make great meatballs, you need the right mix. Use 1 lb of ground chicken or beef. Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients help hold the meatballs together. The egg binds everything well. Mix all these ingredients gently but thoroughly. If you mix too much, the meatballs can turn tough. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon for a mild kick. If you want it spicier, go for 2 teaspoons. Always taste the mixture before cooking. You can adjust the spice level easily. If the mix is too spicy, balance it with more breadcrumbs or cheese. Remember, the sauce also adds heat, so keep that in mind. These meatballs shine on a platter. Drizzle them with the spicy honey garlic sauce for a great look. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and flavor. Serve them as appetizers or with rice for a full meal. You can also add them to a sandwich for a tasty twist. The options are endless! Enjoy your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. They will enhance the overall taste of your meatballs and sauce. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your personal heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed. Thicken Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water until you reach your desired consistency. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just cook them straight from frozen when you're ready to enjoy! {{image_2}} You can switch up the ground chicken for ground beef. Both options make tasty meatballs. If you want a lighter choice, use ground turkey. It works well too. You can also try ground pork for a different flavor. Each meat brings its own taste to the dish. The sauce is key to these meatballs. You can add hoisin sauce for a sweet, rich taste. Sriracha brings heat if you want more spice. If you like a tangy twist, add a bit of lime juice. Feel free to mix and match sauces. Your creativity can make each batch unique. These meatballs are super versatile. Serve them as appetizers at your next party. Just let guests pick them up with toothpicks. You can also serve them over rice or noodles as a main dish. They pair well with a side salad too. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich. Each option offers a new way to enjoy this delicious recipe. To keep your spicy honey garlic meatballs fresh, store them correctly. First, let the meatballs cool down. This step is important to prevent moisture build-up. Place them in an airtight container. You can also use a freezer bag. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps them tasty for longer. Reheating meatballs can be tricky. You want to keep them juicy and flavorful. The best way is to use the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to the pan. This helps steam the meatballs. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cover it. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning them halfway through. You can also microwave them, but add a splash of water and cover them with a wet paper towel. This helps maintain moisture. Freezing meatballs is a smart option. It saves time and effort for future meals. To freeze, first, arrange the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place this sheet in the freezer for about an hour. This step prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay frozen for about three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different meats for meatballs. Ground beef works well too. You can also use turkey or pork. Each meat gives a unique taste. Just ensure it is finely ground. Adjust cooking time based on the meat you choose. For example, beef may take longer than chicken. You can store the meatballs in the fridge for up to four days. Place them in a tight container. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months. Just thaw and reheat before serving. These meatballs go great with many sides. Rice or quinoa works well for a hearty meal. You can also serve them with steamed veggies. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. For a fun twist, try them in a wrap or on a sub. Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it on the stove before using. If you want to save time, make a double batch! You can use it for other dishes too. You now know how to make flavorful meatballs and a tasty sauce. With the right ingredients and clear steps, you can cook a dish everyone will enjoy. Remember, adjusting the spice or trying new ingredients can make your meal unique. Store leftovers properly and reheat for a great second meal. Explore the variations for fun new tastes. Try these tips and enjoy the experience of cooking!

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken or beef, coated in a spicy honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken (or beef)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. They don't need to be fully cooked through as they'll finish cooking in the sauce.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
  • Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are browned, carefully pour the sauce over them in the skillet, gently stirring to coat all the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Remove from heat and let the meatballs cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, spicy