Description
Firecracker Beef Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy appetizer featuring juicy ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet, and fiery sauce made with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and habanero hot sauce. Perfect for parties or a bold snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 spring onion stalks (scallions), chopped
For Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 spring onion stalk (scallion), chopped
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons El Yucateco Red Habanero Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Make meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated ginger, grated garlic, chopped spring onions, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Shape and bake meatballs: Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Roll the meat mixture into evenly sized balls and place them in the baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Prepare sauce mixture: While the meatballs bake, combine grated ginger, grated garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and habanero hot sauce in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together smoothly.
- Cook sauce: Transfer the sauce mixture to a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Prepare garnish: Chop the spring onion, separating the white portion and the green chives. Set aside the white parts for the sauce and keep the chive tops for garnish.
- Finish sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Stir in the crushed red pepper to add extra heat.
- Coat meatballs and serve: Roll the baked meatballs in the prepared spicy sauce until fully coated. Place the sauced meatballs on a serving plate, sprinkle with the chopped chives, insert toothpicks for easy serving, and enjoy!
Notes
- For spicier meatballs, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or habanero hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or over noodles for a complete meal.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Firecracker Meatballs, Spicy Meatballs, Beef Meatballs, Appetizer, Party Food, Habanero Sauce
