Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Printer-friendly)
Spicy firecracker meatballs glazed in sweet-heat, served with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef or pork (or a mix)
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 ginger, grated
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Rice & Vegetables
15 - 1 cup 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 oz green beans, trimmed and halved
21 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
22 - Extra sliced scallions, for garnish
# How-To Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 430°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape mixture into 16-20 small meatballs; arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through.
04 - Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add rice and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for the firecracker sauce until smooth. Set aside.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot, bell pepper, and green beans; sauté for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt.
07 - When meatballs are done, toss them gently in about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Serve meatballs over jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle with remaining sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra scallions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You’ll unlock that perfect sweet-spicy sauce that clings to every bite, making every forkful exciting.
- It’s a weeknight dinner with the kind of visual pop and flavor punch that usually takes much longer to prepare.
02 -
- If you mix the meat too vigorously, you’ll trade tender for dense, so handle it lightly—it really makes a difference.
- I learned to taste the firecracker sauce before glazing; once, I poured it on and it was far too spicy—I just doubled the honey and everything was saved.
03 -
- Shape all your meatballs before you start baking so they cook evenly—otherwise some will dry out while others stay raw.
- A splash of sauce in the sauté pan with the vegetables caramelizes beautifully for a bonus punch of flavor.