Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Print Version)
Spicy glazed meatballs with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables for a bold weeknight meal.
# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or pork (or a combination)
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 black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha
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 cup jasmine rice
16 - 2 cups water
17 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
18 - 1 large carrot, julienned
19 - 1 medium 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. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into 16 to 20 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
04 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water is clear. Place rice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff 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 carrot, bell pepper, and green beans. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt.
07 - When meatballs are cooked, transfer to a bowl and gently toss with about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Serve glazed meatballs over jasmine rice, accompanied by sautéed vegetables. Drizzle with remaining firecracker sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze transforms humble meatballs into something that tastes straight from your favorite takeout spot—without the delivery wait.
- This meal is perfect when you want to surprise even picky eaters with vibrant flavor and a little fun at the table.
02 -
- I once rushed the meatball forming and packed them too tightly—they came out dense, so always keep a gentle touch.
- Dipping the meatballs into the sauce instead of pouring lets you control how lacquered and spicy each one gets—a game-changer for varying tastes at the table.
03 -
- Always taste your firecracker sauce on a single meatball before saucing the whole batch—you can adjust heat or sweetness easily at this stage.
- To make cleanup faster, line mixing bowls with cling film if you’re prepping ahead.