Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Printable)
Spicy-sweet firecracker meatballs with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables for a bold weeknight dinner.
# 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 grated ginger
08 - Salt and freshly ground 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 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 - Additional sliced scallions, for garnish
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 430°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix until just incorporated. Form 16-20 evenly sized small meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked thoroughly.
04 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Place rice and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Reserve for finishing.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot, bell pepper, and green beans; sauté 4-5 minutes until brightly colored and just tender. Season lightly with salt.
07 - Once meatballs are cooked, transfer to a large bowl and gently toss with about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce for an even glaze.
08 - Plate jasmine rice as a base, top with glazed meatballs, and arrange sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle with remaining sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced scallions as desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This sauce has such a perfect balance between fiery heat and creamy richness—it’s almost addictive.
- The crispy edged meatballs and fluffy jasmine rice make even ordinary dinners feel special.
02 -
- Once, I learned the hard way not to crank the oven higher thinking the meatballs would cook faster—they dried out and lost their juicy magic.
- Tossing the meatballs gently in the sauce while they're still piping hot lets the glaze cling in all the best ways.
03 -
- Chill the meatball mixture for a few minutes before shaping—the balls hold together better and brown more evenly.
- Whisk the firecracker sauce just before using for that extra-shiny finish.