Save These meatballs combine ground beef or pork with garlic, green onions, and a hint of soy sauce for depth. Baked until golden, they’re coated in a bold glaze made from Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to balance heat and sweetness. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, they bring a perfect blend of spice and savory notes. Ideal for quick preparation, they work great as an appetizer or main dish for those craving vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.
I still remember the first time I made these Spicy Sriracha Meatballs; the fiery glaze instantly became a kitchen favorite, surprising everyone with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
One evening, unexpected guests stopped by and I pulled these meatballs from the oven just in time; the applause as they bit into the spicy, sweet coating was unforgettable.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or pork: I reach for quality ground meat for juicy meatballs that hold together perfectly during baking
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture without making it heavy, keeping the texture light
- Egg: Acts as glue so the meatballs don’t crumble but won’t overpower the flavor
- Garlic and green onions: Fresh aromatics that inject flavor and color
- Sriracha sauce: The fiery heart of the dish, I always keep an extra bottle on hand
- Soy sauce: Adds that umami depth every bite needs
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the natural flavors
- Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness in the glaze
- Rice vinegar and sesame oil: Bring brightness and a subtle nuttiness to the glaze
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Perfect finishing touches with crunch and freshness
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to a perfect 200°C (400°F) and line your baking sheet—this sets the stage for meatballs that cook evenly and brown beautifully.
- Mix It Up:
- Combine your meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, Sriracha, soy sauce, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined; you want to feel the mix come together without overworking it so the meatballs stay tender.
- Roll and Bake:
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them lovingly on your baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and let the magic happen for about 18–20 minutes until they’re cooked through with a golden crust.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the meatballs bake, whisk together Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. The aroma of the glaze thickening over medium heat will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent.
- Toss and Serve:
- Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a bowl, pour the glaze over, and toss until every bite is coated. Plate them and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions—instant party-ready!
Save This dish has become more than just a meal; it’s a celebration at every party and an instant comfort whenever you need that spicy-sweet warmth comforting your soul.
Keeping It Fresh
If you don’t plan to eat all the meatballs immediately, they reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer which keeps them crispy on the outside while still juicy inside.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Besides steamed rice or noodles, these meatballs work wonderfully as sliders or with a crunchy slaw on the side to complement the heat and sweetness perfectly.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when all I had on hand was ground turkey and a few pantry staples, this recipe came to the rescue and turned a rushed weeknight into a delicious memory
- Keep extra Sriracha nearby because there’s always room for more heat
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds; they add a lovely crunch that surprises every first timer
- Freezing meatballs before glazing is a great trick to meal prep without losing flavor
Save Thanks for hanging out in my kitchen today; I hope these meatballs bring a little extra spice and joy to your table.
Your Questions Answered
- → What type of meat works best for these meatballs?
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Ground beef or pork offers a juicy texture, but ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter option.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
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Add chili flakes to the glaze or increase the amount of Sriracha to suit your preferred heat intensity.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
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Steamed rice, noodles, or crisp salads complement the bold flavors and provide a balanced meal.
- → Can these meatballs be prepared ahead of time?
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Yes, you can bake them in advance and reheat with the glaze just before serving for convenience.
- → Are there any common allergens to be aware of?
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This dish contains eggs, wheat from breadcrumbs and soy sauce, soy, and may have sesame seeds. Check ingredient labels for gluten if needed.
