These delicious honey sriracha meatballs pack a sweet and spicy punch! Made with simple ingredients like ground meat, honey, and sriracha sauce, they’re a tasty treat.
Perfect for parties or a cozy dinner, I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, roll, and bake! You might even want to make extra—trust me, they disappear fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meats: Ground beef and pork give these meatballs great flavor. You can swap them out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version!
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work well, but if you need a gluten-free version, consider using crushed gluten-free crackers or oat flour. I sometimes use panko for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds rich flavor and helps bind the meatballs. If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano will do. For a dairy-free option, you can skip the cheese or use a nut-based alternative.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference! If it’s too spicy, mix in a little ketchup or BBQ sauce to balance the flavors if you want something milder.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Tender?
One challenge with meatballs is keeping them tender and not dense. Here are steps that can help:
- Mix the ingredients gently! Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, so just combine until everything is mixed.
- Use breadcrumbs as a filler. They absorb moisture and help keep the meatballs light.
- Add an egg to bind the ingredients without making them too heavy.
- Don’t skip the resting step! Let the formed meatballs sit for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy soft, flavorful meatballs every time!
Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes for prep, 10-20 minutes for cooking (depending on whether you bake or fry), and a few minutes to make the sauce. Quick and easy to whip up for dinner or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Skillet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan on baking the meatballs. If you prefer frying them, just heat your skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if baking, or set them aside if frying.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
If you’re baking, pop them in the oven and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown. If frying, add the meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 10-12 minutes until they’re cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, mix together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until it’s slightly thickened.
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven or skillet and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey sriracha sauce over the meatballs and toss gently until they are well coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley. These meatballs are perfect over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy the sweet and spicy explosion of flavors!
Enjoy your sweet, spicy, and savory Honey Sriracha Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey can cook a bit faster than beef or pork.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs. Most sriracha sauces are gluten-free, but double-check the label to ensure!
What Should I Do If My Meatballs Fall Apart While Cooking?
If your meatballs start to fall apart, it may be due to not enough binding ingredients. You can try adding a bit more breadcrumbs or another egg to help hold them together. Always shape the meatballs firmly but gently!
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and they can last for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy!
