Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Print Version)
Fiery-sweet glazed meatballs with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables for a bold, easy weeknight dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lb 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 fresh ginger
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce
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, julienned
19 - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
20 - 3.5 oz green beans, trimmed and halved
21 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
22 - Extra sliced scallions, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, scallions, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
03 - Portion the mixture into 16 to 20 small meatballs and arrange 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 water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add julienned carrot, bell pepper slices, and green beans. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are just tender yet crisp. Season lightly with salt.
07 - Transfer baked meatballs to a bowl and toss gently with about two-thirds of the firecracker sauce to coat evenly.
08 - Serve meatballs over cooked jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables alongside. Drizzle with remaining firecracker sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced scallions.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It turns a simple weeknight dinner into a spicy-sweet wake-up call for your taste buds.
- The leftovers genuinely make killer sandwiches the next day.
02 -
- If you overmix the meatball mixture, they’ll turn tough instead of tender—just use your hands and stop as soon as it comes together.
- Doubling the firecracker sauce is never a bad idea; everyone ends up wanting more to drizzle or dip.
03 -
- Broil the meatballs for the final minute if you want super-crispy edges.
- Rest the cooked rice with cover on for at least five minutes to make it easier to fluff and serve.