Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and slightly spicy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy family dinner. These meatballs are coated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce that adds a delightful kick. Serve them on their own or with toothpicks for easy snacking!
Ingredients List
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Sweet Chili Glaze:
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Timing
Preparing Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Form Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add it to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs
- Coat Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. You can garnish with additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs (per serving, based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Tips for Customization
- Meat Variations: You can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture or add Sriracha to the glaze for more heat.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store any leftover sweet chili glazed meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. You can also freeze the meatballs (before glazing) for up to 2 months; just thaw and glaze when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and spicy glaze, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving, or you can freeze them before baking.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are great on their own as an appetizer, but you can also serve them over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Can I use homemade sweet chili sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade sweet chili sauce works great for this recipe and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- • 1 large egg
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- For the Sweet Chili Glaze:
- • 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- • 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add it to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the sweet chili glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating!
