Spicy Firecracker Meatballs: My Hello Fresh Recipe (Print Version)
Recreate the Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs Recipe at home! Spicy, sweet, and simple, this recipe brings weeknight joy and flavor to your table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Contains Pork, Gluten (Panko), Soy
# Ingredients:
→ Meatball Mix
01 -
1 lb ground pork (or beef)
02 -
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Firecracker Sauce Magic
06 -
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
07 -
½ cup sweet chili sauce
08 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 -
½ tsp sesame oil
→ Serving & Garnish
10 -
2 green onions, sliced
11 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
12 -
1 tbsp neutral oil (for searing)
→ Pantry Staples
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first! Grab a big bowl and gently combine your ground pork (or beef!), panko breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, minced garlic, and that lovely grated ginger. I usually get in there with my hands – it’s a bit messy, but honestly, it’s the best way to ensure everything is just barely mixed. Overmixing? That's a no-go, leads to tough meatballs, and who wants that? Just enough to bring it all together. Feel that texture, it should be soft and pliable.
02 -
Now for the fun part! Take small portions of the meat mixture, maybe about a tablespoon or so, and roll them into cute little golf-ball-sized spheres. I usually aim for around 1-1.5 inches. This is where my kitchen usually gets a bit chaotic, flour flying everywhere if I'm not careful. Try to make them somewhat even so they cook at the same rate. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you go, ready for their sizzle.
03 -
Heat a bit of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if you need to, don't overcrowd the pan! This step isn't about cooking them through, it’s about getting that beautiful, golden-brown crust. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle, and the smell is just divine! Flip them every couple of minutes until they're browned on all sides. This really locks in the flavor.
04 -
While your meatballs are searing, grab a small bowl for the star of the show: the firecracker sauce! Whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and a tiny splash of sesame oil. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. I sometimes taste it at this point to see if I want a little more kick or sweetness – you do you! This sauce is what makes the Hello Fresh Firecracker Meatballs Recipe sing, so make sure it's perfect for your palate.
05 -
Once all your meatballs are nicely seared, return them all to the skillet. Pour that glorious firecracker sauce right over the top. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it bubble away, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking through, and the sauce will thicken and cling to them like a warm hug. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
06 -
Finally, when the sauce is glossy and coating every meatball beautifully, it’s time to take them off the heat. Transfer your Firecracker Meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. The fresh green onions add such a lovely contrast to the rich sauce, and the sesame seeds give that little bit of crunch. Serve them hot, maybe with some rice or noodles, and just enjoy that moment of deliciousness!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overmix your meatball mixture; it makes them tough. Gentle hands, always! If your sauce isn't thickening, let it simmer a little longer on low heat; patience is key here. Taste the sauce before adding it to the meatballs and adjust the spice/sweetness to your liking. For extra juicy meatballs, let the mixture rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling. Don't be shy with the green onions and sesame seeds – they add so much to the final look and taste. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce; I do this sometimes when I'm feeling brave!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large bowl
02 -
non-stick skillet
03 -
plate or baking sheet
04 -
small bowl