Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Highlighted under: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas

These Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-04T04:26:28.959Z

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick. Perfect for any gathering, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
  • Juicy and tender meatballs that are easy to make
  • Great for parties or as a weeknight dinner

The Perfect Appetizer

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are not just a meal; they are an experience that tantalizes your taste buds. The combination of sweet honey and fiery sriracha creates a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with the tender juiciness of the meatballs. Whether served on a platter for guests or as a comforting dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress.

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a standalone appetizer, tossed in a wrap, or even atop a bed of rice for a complete meal. Their finger-food nature makes them ideal for gatherings, ensuring that everyone will enjoy a delicious bite.

Cooking Made Easy

One of the best aspects of these Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs is how easy they are to prepare. With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up a batch in less than an hour. The use of simple ingredients, typically found in most kitchens, means you won’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store.

The baking method allows for an even cooking process while reducing the need for excess oil. This not only makes for healthier meatballs but also cuts down on cleanup time, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of frying.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider serving these meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The crunchy textures and fresh flavors will complement the sweet and spicy notes of the meatballs beautifully. Additionally, you can add a drizzle of extra honey garlic sauce on top to enhance their flavor profile.

These meatballs also make an excellent dish for meal prep. Make a large batch and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer. Simply reheat when you're ready to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.

Make the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Serve warm.

Enjoy your Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs with rice or as a standalone appetizer!

FAQs About Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

What type of ground meat can I use for these meatballs? While this recipe calls for ground beef, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each option will give a unique flavor to the meatballs, allowing you to customize them to your preference.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. You can also freeze the raw meatballs and bake them directly from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

To achieve the juiciest meatballs, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Gently combine until just blended to keep them tender. Additionally, using fresh herbs like parsley will enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried herbs.

Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the meatballs inside. This will help them cook evenly and develop a nice golden-brown crust. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider broiling them for the last minute of cooking.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with rice, pasta, or can be enjoyed on their own as appetizers.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness?

You can reduce the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes to make them less spicy.

Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

These Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  5. 1 large egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup honey
  2. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  4. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  5. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  6. 1 teaspoon sesame oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.

Step 03

While the meatballs are baking, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 18g