Sweet Chili Garlic Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Additional parsley for garnish - Sesame seeds and chopped green onions Gather these ingredients to create your sweet chili garlic glazed meatballs. The main ingredients like ground beef and breadcrumbs form the base. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Each seasoning enhances the flavor. Sweet chili sauce brings sweetness, while soy sauce adds depth. Honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil round out the glaze perfectly. For presentation, top with sesame seeds and green onions. This makes your dish pop visually and adds extra flavor. Use the freshest ingredients for the best results. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine: - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix these ingredients well until they come together smoothly. - Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide. - Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. - In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Heat over medium heat. Stir until it starts to simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes. - Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. - Transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili garlic glaze over them. - Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly. - Serve hot and enjoy! - Ensure even cooking by spacing meatballs properly. This helps them brown well. - Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). - Adjust sweetness with more or less honey. This lets you control the taste. - Experiment with different herbs or spices. Try basil, cilantro, or paprika for variety. - Pair with rice or noodles for a complete meal. This adds great texture and flavor. - Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks. They are easy to eat and fun for guests. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the flavor of the meatballs significantly. Avoid using pre-minced garlic for the best taste. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. Meatball Size Matters: Ensure that all meatballs are uniform in size (about 1 inch) for even cooking. This prevents some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Glaze Variation: Experiment with different sauces; teriyaki can replace sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile. Adjust sweetness with honey to taste. {{image_2}} You can swap beef for turkey or chicken. Both options create leaner meatballs. They remain juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a meat-free option, try lentils or mushrooms. Lentils pack protein and fiber. Mushrooms add a rich umami taste. Both are great for veggie lovers. Want more heat? Add chili paste to the glaze. This gives the meatballs a spicy kick. If you want a different flavor, try teriyaki sauce. It adds a sweet and savory twist. Both options change the vibe of the dish. Serving matters! For a fresh touch, serve meatballs over greens. This adds color and crunch. You can also create sliders. Use small rolls to make tasty sandwiches. This way, everyone can enjoy them as finger food. After making these meatballs, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 4 days. This makes them great for meal prep. Just grab a meatball when you're hungry! You can freeze these meatballs for later. Freeze them uncooked or cooked. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They last for up to 3 months. When you're ready, just thaw and cook or reheat. This saves time on busy days! To reheat, use the oven or stovetop for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them juicy. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to a pan. Cover and heat on low until warm. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Enjoy your meatballs as if they were just made! You can use oats or crushed crackers. Both work well in meatballs. Oats add a nice texture. They also provide a healthy touch. Crushed crackers bring a bit of crunch. You can choose any flavor of cracker you like. Just keep the ratio the same. Yes, you can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. Mix the meatball ingredients and shape them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. They can stay in the freezer for a few months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. You can also refrigerate cooked meatballs. They will stay fresh for up to four days. To spice up your meatballs, add red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce. Another option is to add diced jalapeños. If you want more heat, try using spicy sausage instead of beef or turkey. Always taste your mixture before baking. This way, you can adjust the heat to your liking. This blog post covered how to make tasty meatballs with an easy sweet chili glaze. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for cooking and serving. You can also try different meat options and sauces for variety. Remember, these meatballs are fun for meals or snacks. Enjoy making them your own! Cooking is about trying new things, so don't be afraid to experiment. Your kitchen adventures can bring great flavors to your table.$

Sweet Chili Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy chili garlic glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili garlic glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
Serve the glazed meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a large platter drizzled with extra glaze, and sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for vibrant color and flavor.

Keyword chili sauce, garlic, meatballs