These Honey Sriracha Meatballs are sweet, spicy, and totally delicious! Made with juicy ground meat and a flavorful sauce, they are perfect as a snack or a main dish.
Whenever I make these, the kitchen smells amazing, and they’re always a hit with family and friends. Plus, you can serve them with rice or on their own for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken work well too!
Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed quinoa. Oats or almond flour can also be used in a pinch.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice level! If you’re not a fan of heat, you can use sweet chili sauce or even barbecue sauce for a smoky twist instead.
Honey: Maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option. It will give a different flavor but still work well with the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Tender?
One common struggle is keeping meatballs from becoming tough. Here are some tips to ensure they’re juicy!
- Gently mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing makes them dense.
- Make sure not to overcook them in the skillet. They should be browned but still moist inside.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce to absorb flavor without losing moisture!
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly tender and delicious Honey Sriracha Meatballs every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional, for extra heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delicious meatballs will take about 15 minutes, with another 20 to 25 minutes for cooking. You’ll enjoy a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish, making them a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take the breadcrumbs and soak them in milk for about 5 minutes until they are absorbed. This keeps the meatballs soft. After that, add ground meat, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, green onions, and ground ginger to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix everything together gently until combined, but be careful not to overmix as it can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Once your mixture is ready, use your hands to shape it into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for cooking evenly!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. If needed, cook in batches. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit.
5. Combine the Meatballs with the Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Let the meatballs simmer with the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color. These Honey Sriracha Meatballs are perfect served with steamed rice, noodles, or simply as a tasty appetizer!
Enjoy your sweet and spicy Honey Sriracha Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey meatballs can be slightly drier, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or an extra egg for moisture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the sriracha sauce to 1-2 tablespoons. Alternatively, add honey to balance out the heat or swap sriracha with a sweet chili sauce for a more subtle flavor.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before cooking when you’re ready to enjoy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of sauce to keep them moist. Enjoy the leftovers!
