Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro In this recipe, I like to use ground beef or chicken. Both options work well. The bread crumbs help the meatballs hold together. Fresh green onions and Parmesan cheese add a nice flavor. The egg binds everything. Garlic and ginger give a warm depth. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. For the glaze, I mix sweet chili sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. This combo makes the meatballs sweet and tangy. The glaze is simple but very tasty. Finally, I sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top. They make the dish look beautiful. You can serve these meatballs as a snack or a main dish. They are a hit at any meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large mixing bowl, add: - 1 lb ground beef (or chicken) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Mix these ingredients well. I use my hands to ensure they blend. This step is key for flavor. Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them out so they don't touch. This will help them brown nicely. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden. While they bake, make the sweet chili glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Stir these ingredients well. Heat over medium heat until the mix simmers. Once simmering, take it off the heat. After baking, transfer the meatballs to a bowl. Pour the hot glaze over them. Toss gently until they are fully coated. They should look shiny and tasty! - Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Fresh meat and herbs bring out the best taste. - Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make meatballs tough. Mix until just combined. - Simmer glaze for enhanced flavor. Heating the glaze makes all the flavors blend well. - Adjust sweetness and spiciness to taste. You can add more chili sauce for heat or sugar for sweetness. - Pair with rice, noodles, or Asian-style slaw. These sides balance the meatballs' sweetness. - Serve as an appetizer or main dish. They work great for parties or family dinners. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Dried versions lack the vibrant taste that enhances the meatballs. Mixing Technique: When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender. A gentle mix is all you need! Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with the glaze by adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zing! Perfect Baking: Ensure the meatballs are spaced evenly on the baking sheet for even cooking and browning. This prevents steaming and promotes a nice crust. {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef or chicken for ground turkey or pork. Both options are tasty and lighter. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using plant-based meat. It will still hold the flavors well. For a little kick, add crushed red pepper to the glaze. This will give your meatballs a nice heat. You can also play with herbs. Fresh cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Try mixing in your favorite herbs for a unique touch. You can cook these meatballs in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. If you prefer, grill or air fry them for a healthier option. Each method gives a different texture and flavor, so experiment to find your favorite! You can refrigerate the meatballs in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, try freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to label the bag with the date. To reheat the meatballs, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10 minutes. For the microwave, place the meatballs in a safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. To refresh the glaze, brush on some extra sweet chili sauce before serving. You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy for quick weeknight meals. For batch cooking, make double the meatballs and freeze half. You’ll have a tasty meal ready for another day! To add spice, you can try a few simple tricks: - Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix for heat. - Mix in fresh chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Use a spicier sweet chili sauce available at most stores. These small changes can really boost the heat level. You can adjust the spice to fit your taste. Yes, you can use store-bought sweet chili sauce. It saves time and works well. The flavor can be a bit different. Some brands are sweeter, while others have more heat. I suggest trying a few to find your favorite. You can even mix homemade sauce with store-bought for a unique taste. These meatballs pair great with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Steamed rice or fried rice complements the flavors well. - Noodles tossed in sesame oil make a nice addition. - Asian-style slaw adds a crunchy texture. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating. In this post, we explored how to make sweet chili glazed meatballs. We covered key ingredients, methods, and tips for the best results. You learned about different protein choices and storage ideas. Don't forget to experiment with flavors and cooking methods. These meatballs are tasty and versatile for any meal. Enjoy them with rice or as a party appetizer. Keep trying new twists on this recipe for fun and excitement in your kitchen!$

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy chili glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or chicken)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef (or chicken). Incorporate the breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, grated Parmesan, the large egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly blended.
With your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through and browned nicely on the exterior.
While the meatballs are baking, it's time to make the glaze. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat.
When the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour the sweet chili glaze over the hot meatballs. Gently toss them in the glaze until they are completely coated and glistening.
Serve the glazed meatballs warm on a platter or individual plates, showered with sesame seeds and garnished with fresh cilantro for an added touch of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Keyword appetizer, chili, glazed, meatballs