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Meatballs have long held a cherished place in cuisines around the world, from Italian spaghetti and meatballs to Swedish köttbullar. Their universal appeal lies in their adaptability; they can be made with various meats, spices, and served with a multitude of sauces. The addition of a fiery, sweet sauce transforms traditional meatballs into something exciting and new, making them a standout dish for any gathering.

Easy Firecracker Meatballs Recipe (Hello Fresh Copycat)

Spice up your dinner with these delicious Firecracker Meatballs! Made with ground beef or turkey, panko breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of spices, these meatballs are perfectly complemented by a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce. Easy to prepare and ready in just 35 minutes, they’re great as an appetizer or served over rice as a main dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra touch. Perfect for any gathering!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.

      Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.

        Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

          Make the Firecracker Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the firecracker sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until warmed through and well combined.

            Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the firecracker sauce over the hot meatballs and gently toss until they are well coated.

              Garnish and Serve: Transfer the firecracker meatballs to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | 4-6 servings