Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Printable version)
Spicy glazed meatballs with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables for a bold weeknight crowd-pleaser.
# Ingredient list:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or pork, or a combination
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 freshly grated ginger
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha chili sauce
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 1/4 cups 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 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
21 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
22 - Extra sliced scallions, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat 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 black pepper. Mix until just incorporated. Form mixture into 16 to 20 uniform meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place rice and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot, bell pepper, and green beans. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Season lightly with salt.
07 - Once meatballs are out of the oven, toss gently with about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Serve meatballs over jasmine rice. Arrange sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced scallions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This sweet-hot sauce clings to the meatballs and honestly tastes good on just about anything else you have in the fridge too.
- Making it all in under an hour means you can go from zero to flavor hero on a busy night.
02 -
- Trying to flip meatballs before they're set just leads to a sticky mess—resist the urge for a few extra minutes.
- Mixing the sauce ahead means it thickens up and sticks better to the hot meatballs, making every bite saucier.
03 -
- Let the meatball mixture rest for five minutes before rolling—it makes shaping so much easier and less sticky.
- Reserve some extra firecracker sauce for dipping—you won't regret having leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.