Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Printable Version)
Bold firecracker meatballs in a sweet-spicy glaze, served with jasmine rice and crisp sauteed vegetables.
# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or pork, or a mix
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 fresh ginger, grated
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha, or to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Rice & 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 pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 16 to 20 small meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and measured water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
05 - Whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl 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 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender but still crisp. Lightly season with salt.
07 - When meatballs are cooked, gently toss them in about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Serve glazed meatballs over jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle remaining sauce over the dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional scallions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce is sneakily addictive, and you can adjust the heat so everyone at the table is happy.
- This meal earns applause both on hectic weeknights and when friends show up unannounced.
02 -
- Packing meatballs too tightly will undo your hard work—gentle shaping makes all the difference.
- Letting the rice rest off-heat for five minutes turns it from sticky to perfectly separate grains.
03 -
- Use damp hands to shape the meatballs—less sticky mess and smoother results every time.
- Roasting the veggies on the same pan as the meatballs can save a pan and deepen the flavor.