Description
These Firecracker Meatballs are a spicy and flavorful appetizer featuring tender ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and drizzled with a creamy, spicy sriracha mayo sauce. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes, they offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat in every bite.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 green onions, minced (plus additional for garnish)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayonnaise preferred)
- 4 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame oil until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, minced green onions, egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Form and arrange meatballs: Roll the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs and place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Drizzle the baked meatballs with the prepared sriracha mayo sauce. Garnish with additional minced green onions, sesame seeds, and more red pepper flakes if you like an extra kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, use Kewpie mayonnaise in the sauce, but regular mayonnaise works well too.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter texture; you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
