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Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s **spicy, sweet, and packed with flavor**, these **Firecracker Meatballs** are the perfect choice! Juicy meatballs are baked to perfection and coated in a **bold, spicy-sweet firecracker sauce** that brings just the right amount of heat.
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Equipment

  • - Large mixing bowl
  • - Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • - Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Meatballs**
  • - 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • - 1 egg
  • - 2 tablespoons milk
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for extra heat
  • #### **For the Firecracker Sauce**
  • - 1/2 cup hot sauce such as Frank’s RedHot
  • - 1/4 cup honey
  • - 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • #### **Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs**
  • Preheat oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with **parchment paper**.
  • In a large bowl, mix **ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes**.
  • Roll the mixture into **1-inch meatballs** and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • #### **Step 2: Bake the Meatballs**
  • Bake for **15-18 minutes**, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp **165°F/75°C**).
  • #### **Step 3: Make the Firecracker Sauce**
  • In a **small saucepan**, whisk together **hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder**.
  • Simmer over **medium heat** for **5 minutes**, until slightly thickened.
  • #### **Step 4: Coat the Meatballs**
  • Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the **firecracker sauce** until fully coated.
  • Return to the oven for **3-5 minutes** to caramelize the sauce (optional).
  • #### **Step 5: Serve & Enjoy**
  • Garnish with **chopped green onions or sesame seeds**.
  • Serve over **rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks**.