Sweet and Spicy Glazed Meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
• Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

2. Prepare the Glaze:

• While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha (or chili sauce), chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

3. Glaze the Meatballs:

• Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the saucepan with the glaze.
• Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are fully coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Serve:

• Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

5. Enjoy:

• These sweet and spicy glazed meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, party dish, or served over rice or noodles as a main course.

This dish is sure to be a hit with its combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Let me know if you need any further details or variations!