Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and slightly spicy appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or cozy family dinners. Coated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce, these meatballs offer a delightful kick and are easy to serve with toothpicks for casual snacking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing. Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
4. Step 4: While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: If a thicker glaze is desired, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the sauce. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of the meatballs.
• Add finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust heat by increasing red pepper flakes in the meatballs or adding Sriracha to the glaze.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.

Storage

Store leftover sweet chili glazed meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. You can freeze the meatballs before glazing for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving, or freeze them before baking to save time later.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs are perfect as a standalone appetizer but also pair well with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I use homemade sweet chili sauce?

Absolutely. Homemade sweet chili sauce works wonderfully and lets you customize the sweetness and heat to your preference.

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs Recipe

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Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs are a delightful appetizer featuring tender, baked meatballs coated in a sweet and slightly spicy chili sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, these meatballs combine savory ground beef with flavorful herbs and spices, finished with a sticky, tangy glaze that adds a delicious kick. Easy to prepare and great for serving with toothpicks for casual snacking.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Sweet Chili Glaze:

• 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine. For a thicker glaze, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Glaze the Meatballs: Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warmed sweet chili glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy and delicious snacking.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile.
• For added nutrition and flavor, finely chopped bell peppers or onions can be mixed into the meatball mixture.
• Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or by adding Sriracha to the glaze.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw completely before baking and glazing.
• Use homemade sweet chili sauce for a personalized flavor and control over sweetness and heat.

Keywords: sweet chili glazed meatballs, party meatballs, appetizer recipes, baked meatballs, spicy sweet glaze, easy party food, game day recipes