Asian-Style Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Course
Main Course
Asian-Style Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce
Description
This recipe features ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a combination) blended with panko breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro and green onions, eggs, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, dried basil, lime zest, and optional crushed red pepper. The mixture is formed into uniform meatballs and baked at a high temperature until cooked through, ensuring juicy, well-textured meatballs with a slight herb and citrus aroma.
The sauce is a simple blend of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, and brown sugar, heated until simmering to meld the flavors. The warm sauce is poured over the cooked meatballs, coating them with a glossy, flavorful finish. Additional garnishes such as green onions and toasted sesame seeds can be added to enhance texture and presentation.
These meatballs can be served alone as finger food or over cooked rice, quinoa, or grains for a complete meal. The contrast between the savory meatballs and the sweet, tangy chili sauce creates a balanced flavor profile that can be adjusted by tweaking the sauce ingredients or adding spice.
Fish sauce can substitute soy sauce in the meatball mix to change flavor depth. Different ground meat combinations work well, and sweet chili sauce brands vary, so choose one that suits your preferred sweetness and heat level.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground meat beef, pork, turkey or a combo - (see note)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 2 green onions white and green parts finely chopped
- 2 egg large
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce I use low-sodium
- 1 tablespoon ginger or ginger paste, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- lime about a teaspoon, zest from 1
- Pinch crushed red pepper more or less to taste (optional
Sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce I use low-sodium
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce see note
- ¼ cup lime juice from 2-3 limes, fresh
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, add the ground meat. Add all the other meatball ingredients and mix until well-combined (I just dig in there with my hands). Roll 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into meatballs and place 1/2-inch apart or so on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should read 165 degrees F in the middle of a meatball).
- While the meatballs cook, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan and heat until simmering.
- Using tongs or a spatula, remove the meatballs from the baking sheet onto a plate or tray. Drizzle the cooked meatballs with the warm sauce and garnish with additional green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the meatballs on their own or over brown rice, white rice, quinoa, etc.
Notes
- Substitute fish sauce for soy sauce in the meatball mixture for a different flavor profile.
- Ground pork, turkey, beef, or combinations can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
- Sweet chili sauce is commonly found in Asian aisles; brands vary in sweetness and spice.
- Garnish cooked meatballs with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 539kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 162mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 1453mg | 61% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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