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Firecracker Meatballs


  • Author: Dulcia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Firecracker Meatballs are a bold, spicy, and delicious take on a classic dinner favorite. Paired with creamy coconut rice and perfectly roasted green beans, this dish delivers an exciting mix of textures and flavors. The firecracker sauce, made with Sriracha, honey, and a touch of vinegar, brings a tangy heat that perfectly complements the tender, flavorful meatballs.


Ingredients

Scale

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
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
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


Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange the oven rack to 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 sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds and toast for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the rinsed Jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef, scallion whites (reserving greens for garnish), ginger, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix with clean hands until well combined.
Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 20-22 meatballs) using a cookie scoop.
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 with 1 Tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Drizzle the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil over the meatballs.
Bake:
Bake on the top rack of the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the green beans are browned and tender.
Make the Firecracker Sauce:
While the meatballs and green beans are baking, mix together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Adjust heat levels with additional Sriracha or chili flakes as desired.
Serve:
Fluff the coconut rice and divide it into bowls. Top with meatballs, green beans, and a generous drizzle of firecracker sauce. Garnish with scallion greens, extra sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or chili crunch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480