Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Printable Version)
Spicy-sweet firecracker meatballs over fluffy jasmine rice with crisp sauteed vegetables and sesame-scallion garnish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or pork, or a blend of both
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha chili sauce (adjust for desired heat)
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Rice and Vegetables
15 - 1 cup jasmine rice
16 - 2 cups water
17 - 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
18 - 1 large carrot, julienned
19 - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
20 - 3.5 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
21 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
22 - Additional sliced scallions, for garnish
# How To Make:
01 - Set oven to 430°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, blend ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper until just incorporated. Form into 16 to 20 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Transfer meatballs to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
04 - Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water. Add rice and water to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until homogeneous. Reserve.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot, bell pepper, and green beans; cook while stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until tender yet crisp. Season lightly with salt.
07 - Once baked, toss meatballs in approximately two-thirds of the firecracker sauce to coat thoroughly.
08 - Arrange meatballs atop jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle with remaining sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra scallions if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce takes about two minutes to whisk and tastes like something from a restaurant you would brag about finding.
- Everything cooks at the same time so you are not standing at the stove all evening.
- Bold enough for spice lovers but easy to dial back for the cautious ones at the table.
02 -
- Overmixing the meat makes the meatballs tough and rubbery so stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
- Tossing the meatballs in the sauce while they are still hot helps the glaze stick and absorb into the surface.
03 -
- Wet your hands lightly before rolling the meatballs and the mixture will not stick to your palms.
- Broil the glazed meatballs for 60 seconds after tossing in sauce for a sticky caramelized finish that changes everything.