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To make spicy honey garlic meatballs, you need the following main items: - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes These ingredients form the base of your meatballs. They bring flavor and texture that work well together. To add a bit more kick, consider using these extras: - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tbsp soy sauce - 1 tbsp sesame oil - 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for extra spice) These ingredients create a sweet and spicy sauce that coats the meatballs. You can adjust the heat level to fit your taste. If you have dietary needs, here are some swaps you can use: - Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. - Replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. These substitutions can help you enjoy the dish while sticking to your diet. Always feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Next, throw in the chopped parsley, large egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Use your hands for the best results. Now, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch wide. Place each meatball on the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave space between them. Bake these in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. You want them cooked through and golden brown. While the meatballs bake, it’s time for the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if you like it spicy. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and warmed up. Once the meatballs are cooked, take them out of the oven. Transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly. Serve them on a platter, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty meal! To make juicy meatballs, you need the right mix. Start with ground beef or turkey. Ground beef gives a rich taste. Ground turkey is leaner but can dry out. Use breadcrumbs to help keep moisture. They soak up juices and add texture. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese into the mix. It adds flavor and richness. Don’t overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Shape them gently into balls, about an inch wide. This size cooks evenly. To control spice, start with red pepper flakes. Add a little for warmth. If you like it hotter, add more. You can also use sriracha for extra heat. Just one teaspoon can boost the spice without overpowering. Taste your sauce before adding it to the meatballs. This way, you can adjust the spice level. If it’s too spicy, mix in a bit more honey. One key mistake is baking too long. Keep an eye on the meatballs while they cook. Overbaking makes them dry. Aim for 18-20 minutes at 400°F. Another mistake is not using enough fat. Lean meats can dry out. If you use turkey, add a touch of oil to the mix. Lastly, don’t forget to season well. Salt and pepper are your friends. They bring out all the flavors in your meatballs. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and parsley enhance the flavor profile of your meatballs significantly compared to dried versions. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes and sriracha to match your personal heat preference. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfectly Round Meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop for uniformly shaped meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly and look professional. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in the recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works great. They give a lighter flavor. Just keep the same spice mix. Form the meatballs the same way. Bake them until golden brown. You’ll get juicy bites packed with flavor. If you want a plant-based option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them well, and mix with breadcrumbs. Add some grated veggies for extra flavor. You can also use store-bought vegan meat substitutes. Just follow the same steps for mixing and baking. These meatballs can still be spicy and sweet. You can play with the honey garlic sauce too. For a tangy kick, add some lime juice or vinegar. If you love a smoky taste, try adding chipotle sauce. For a sweet twist, mix in some pineapple juice. Each change gives a new flavor. This makes the meatballs fun and fresh every time you make them! To keep your leftover meatballs fresh, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. For meal prep, freeze your meatballs in a single layer. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy your meatballs again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just cover them with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. Enjoy the spicy honey garlic flavor! To make spicy honey garlic meatballs, start with 1 lb of ground beef or turkey. In a bowl, mix the meat with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a large egg. Add minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. While they bake, mix honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, coat them in the sauce. You can serve spicy honey garlic meatballs with rice or noodles for a tasty meal. They also go well in a wrap with fresh veggies. Try them on a bed of greens for a lighter option. For a fun twist, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks. Don’t forget a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad! Yes, you can prepare meatballs ahead of time! Make the meatball mixture and shape them. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To make the sauce spicier, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha. You can also include chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick. If you enjoy heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Always taste as you go to find your perfect spice level! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious spicy honey garlic meatballs. We talked about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure perfect meatballs. You can tweak flavors with different meats or substitutes, and I shared how to store and reheat leftovers. This guide equips you for tasty meals at home. Enjoy making these meatballs your way!

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
  • Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir until the mixture is smooth and warmed through.
  • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
  • Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes and sriracha for desired spice level.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, spicy