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Meatballs have long been a beloved dish across diverse culinary traditions, cherished for their adaptability and satisfying nature. Whether served over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a party appetizer, meatballs can easily cater to various occasions and flavor preferences. Among the multitude of meatball recipes, one stands out with a bold twist: Firecracker Meatballs. This recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and spicy, thanks to the unique combination of barbecue sauce and sriracha, offering an eye-opening flavor experience that ignites the palate.

Easy Firecracker Meatballs Recipe (Hello Fresh Copycat)

Spice up your dinner with these Easy Firecracker Meatballs! Made with ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and an explosion of flavor from garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, these tender meatballs are paired with a zesty firecracker sauce featuring BBQ, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Perfect for appetizers, over rice, or in subs, they’re sure to be a hit! Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an irresistible touch!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or ground 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 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup BBQ sauce

1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Form the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, evenly spaced.

      Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and browned on the outside.

        Make the Firecracker Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally.

          Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the pot of firecracker sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.

            Serve: Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

              Enjoy: Serve warm, with extra firecracker sauce on the side for dipping, if desired. These can be served as an appetizer, on top of rice, or as a filling in a sub.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4-6