Firecracker Meatballs with Coconut Rice: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness, these Firecracker Meatballs are for you! Paired with toasted sesame coconut rice and roasted green beans, this dish brings a bold flavor explosion that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The firecracker sauce adds just the right amount of heat, making every bite memorable.
Ingredients:
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (olive oil or avocado oil)
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 cup Jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup water
For the Firecracker Meatballs & Green Beans:
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 4 scallions, sliced and divided
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream (dairy-free if needed)
- 2 Tbsp Sriracha or buffalo sauce (plus more to taste)
- 3 Tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Red chili flakes or Korean chili crunch, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the oven rack in the top position. Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil or line with parchment paper.
- Make the Coconut Rice:
- In a medium skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed Jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
- Add the ground beef, scallion whites (reserve greens for garnish), ginger, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well with clean hands until the ingredients are combined.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making about 20-22 meatballs.
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- On one side of the prepared baking sheet, arrange the meatballs in a single layer.
- On the other side, arrange the green beans. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the green beans, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the meatballs.
- Bake:
- Place the sheet pan on the top rack of the oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the green beans should be tender and slightly browned.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce:
- While the meatballs and green beans are baking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Adjust the heat level with additional Sriracha or chili flakes as desired.
- Serve:
- Fluff the coconut rice and divide it into bowls. Top with meatballs and roasted green beans, and generously drizzle with firecracker sauce.
- Garnish with scallion greens, extra sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes or chili crunch for an extra kick of flavor.
Tips:
- If you like your meals on the spicier side, don’t hesitate to add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
This Firecracker Meatballs recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. The creamy coconut rice adds a comforting base that balances out the boldness of the meatballs and sauce. Serve this dish for a quick and satisfying dinner, and watch it become a new favorite!
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Brown Butter Cherry Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These Brown Butter Cherry Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic cookie. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, combined with the sweetness of fresh cherries and the intense depth of dark chocolate chunks, creates a luxurious treat with every bite. The soft, chewy texture is balanced by the slight crispness on the edges, making these cookies absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup brown butter (see instructions)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chunks
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Instructions
Prepare the Brown Butter:
Cut butter into cubes and place in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter foams and turns golden brown. Once it reaches the desired color, remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl to cool.
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the butter cools, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and sugar until well combined.
Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and incorporated.
Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients:
Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Add Chocolate & Cherries:
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and fresh cherries. Ensure everything is evenly distributed, but do not overmix.
Shape & Bake:
Drop cookie dough onto a baking sheet in 1/4-cup portions (use an ice cream scoop for consistency). Bake 6 cookies at a time, spacing them out.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Optional Shaping & Finishing Touches:
If desired, use a large round cookie cutter or measuring cup to adjust the shape of the cookies immediately after baking.
Top with additional chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
Cool & Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320