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Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Recipe Easy Homemade 5-Ingredient Meal

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A quick and easy sweet and spicy meatballs recipe with just five main ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of honey and chili flakes creates a delicious glaze that balances sweetness and heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free panko for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a large skillet over medium heat for stovetop cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs, about 20 pieces.
  4. If baking: Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.
  5. If cooking stovetop: Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and cook meatballs in batches, turning every 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
  6. While meatballs cook, prepare the sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until thickened and glossy, about 5 minutes.
  7. Once meatballs are cooked (internal temp 160°F / 71°C for beef), transfer to a large bowl and pour warm sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use good-quality ground meat with some fat for juiciness. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. If sauce thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water to loosen. Double sauce ingredients for extra saucy meatballs. Avoid overmixing meat to keep meatballs tender. Adjust chili flakes to preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and spicy meatballs, easy meatballs, quick dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, honey chili meatballs, party appetizer

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/sweet-and-spicy-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-5-ingredient-meal/