Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Printable Version)
Spicy glazed meatballs, fluffy jasmine rice, and crisp sauteed vegetables tossed in a sweet-heat firecracker sauce.
# What You'll 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 freshly grated ginger
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce (adjust to spice preference)
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
→ Rice & Vegetables
15 - 1.25 cups jasmine rice
16 - 2 cups water
17 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
18 - 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
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
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat oven to 430°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just incorporated.
03 - Form mixture into 16 to 20 small meatballs and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add rice and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, 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 sauce 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 - Transfer cooked meatballs to a bowl. Add about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
08 - Arrange jasmine rice on plates. Top with sauced meatballs and serve sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle remaining firecracker sauce over the meatballs and rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra scallions if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The firecracker sauce quietly transforms humble meatballs into pure weeknight excitement you won’t see coming.
- Every part—rice, veggies, sauce, and meatballs—comes together easily, making cleanup and prep a breeze.
02 -
- Overmixing the meat can make the meatballs dense—just barely bring everything together for best results.
- If the sauce seems too spicy or thick, whisk in a splash of water or a bit more mayo at the last minute—it saved me once.
03 -
- Letting the meatball mix rest for 5-10 minutes before shaping helps flavors meld and makes rolling easier.
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice—removing excess starch is the key to that signature fluffy texture.