Description
Firecracker meatballs bring Korean-inspired spice to classic comfort food. Bold flavors and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings you’ll want to recreate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (30g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup (80ml) hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
- ⅓ cup (80g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsps honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy meatball release.
- Mixing: In a large bowl, blend ground protein with aromatic seasonings, breadcrumbs, eggs, and finely chopped herbs, using a gentle folding technique to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Shaping: Craft uniform meatballs by scooping and rolling the seasoned mixture, creating consistent spheres that will cook evenly and present beautifully.
- Positioning: Carefully arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them strategically to allow optimal heat circulation and prevent crowding.
- Roasting: Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C), allowing the meatballs to develop a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the center reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), typically requiring 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
Notes
- Prevent Dense Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Consistent Cooking: Use a portioning scoop or scale to create uniform-sized meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 160°F (71°C) to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Moisture Retention: Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and keep them succulent and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 309
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg