Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs (Print Version)
Spicy, glazed meatballs with jasmine rice and crisp sautéed vegetables for a bold weeknight meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or pork, or a blend of both
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Firecracker Sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons sriracha chili sauce (adjust for desired heat)
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Rice and Vegetables
15 - 1 cup jasmine rice
16 - 2 cups water
17 - 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
18 - 1 large carrot, julienned
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
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven to 430°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, blend ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper until just incorporated. Form into 16 to 20 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Transfer meatballs to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
04 - Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water. Add rice and water to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until homogeneous. Reserve.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrot, bell pepper, and green beans; cook while stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until tender yet crisp. Season lightly with salt.
07 - Once baked, toss meatballs in approximately two-thirds of the firecracker sauce to coat thoroughly.
08 - Arrange meatballs atop jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables on the side. Drizzle with remaining sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra scallions if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce is a wild card—everyone always asks for the secret (it’s less complicated than it tastes).
- It’s so satisfying to watch everyone’s eyes light up after that first fiery bite.
02 -
- Undermixing the meat means uneven bites—get in there with your hands, but don’t overdo it or things will turn dense.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking changed everything—the grains separate and won’t clump into a gummy mess.
03 -
- Brushing the meatballs with oil before baking gives you a golden, irresistible crust.
- A squeeze of fresh lime over everything right before eating makes the flavors pop in surprising ways.