Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Print Version)
Spicy glazed meatballs, fluffy jasmine rice, and crisp sauteed vegetables tossed in a sweet-heat firecracker sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or ground pork, or a mixture
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 sauce (adjust to desired heat)
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 - 1.25 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 - Additional sliced scallions, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, sliced scallions, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed.
03 - Form meat mixture into 16 to 20 small balls and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway, until browned and thoroughly cooked.
04 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
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 julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and halved green beans. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Season lightly with salt.
07 - Once meatballs are cooked, toss gently with approximately two-thirds of the firecracker sauce until well coated.
08 - Serve glazed meatballs over steamed jasmine rice. Arrange sautéed vegetables to the side. Drizzle remaining sauce over meatballs and vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced scallions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The firecracker sauce quietly transforms humble meatballs into pure weeknight excitement you won’t see coming.
- Every part—rice, veggies, sauce, and meatballs—comes together easily, making cleanup and prep a breeze.
02 -
- Overmixing the meat can make the meatballs dense—just barely bring everything together for best results.
- If the sauce seems too spicy or thick, whisk in a splash of water or a bit more mayo at the last minute—it saved me once.
03 -
- Letting the meatball mix rest for 5-10 minutes before shaping helps flavors meld and makes rolling easier.
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice—removing excess starch is the key to that signature fluffy texture.