Sweet and spicy glazed meatballs

Here’s a simple recipe for Sweet and Spicy Glazed Meatballs that you can easily whip up:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, to thicken)

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
   • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
   • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
2. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the meatballs are baking, combine honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
   • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to simmer, lower the heat and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
   • (Optional) For a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional minute until it thickens to your liking.
3. Glaze the Meatballs:
   • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
   • Pour the glaze over the meatballs and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve:
   • Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your sweet and spicy glazed meatballs!