Firecracker Meatballs Recipe | The Recipe Critic

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these firecracker meatballs! Juicy beef meatballs are baked to perfection and then tossed in a sweet and spicy buffalo-based sauce, creating a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

If you’re looking for ways to add a little more spice to your meals, try this firecracker salmon or this firecracker chicken. Then make this easy fried rice as a side; it will be a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

Firecracker meatballs are a delightful way to add spice and variety to your weekly meal planning. Not only that, you can totally change out the protein to match your preferences or what you have available. They come together quickly and easily, making them perfect as a side dish, main course, or even an appetizer for gatherings.

To make it a complete meal, use this fool-proof instant pot rice recipe. Get your vegetables in with this delicious green beans recipe and don’t forget dessert; you have to try my all-time favorite, mango sticky rice recipe!

What is in Firecracker Meatballs?

We all know “firecracker” means spiciness, but what exactly gives these meatballs their kick? I’ll give you a hint… it’s all about the red pepper flakes! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

• Ground beef: This is the star of the show and provides texture and flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together and provide a light texture to prevent them from becoming too dense.
• Egg: The eggs bind the meatballs together.
• Green onion: Provides a mild fresh flavor and a slight crunch.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Add a nutty-rich flavor.
• Garlic: Who doesn’t love a bit of garlic in their meatballs? Don’t knock it til you try it!
• Ginger: Adds a warm, sweet flavor with a hint of spice that also adds depth to the meatball flavor profile.
• Red pepper flakes: This is what cranks up that heat and is where the term “firecracker” comes from.
• Soy Sauce: Gives the meatballs a savory, umami saltiness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and compliments the other spices.

What is Firecracker Sauce Made of?

Spicy firecracker sauce is all about heat, tanginess, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for adding a lively kick to your favorite meals!

• Buffalo sauce: This hot sauce acts as the base of the firecracker sauce and adds a tangy, spicy, slightly buttery flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the heat.
• Apple cider vinegar: Helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar as well as the richness of the buffalo sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce an extra kick of heat.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Add a nutty flavor and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients in the sauce, ensuring each component reaches its full potential in taste.

How to Make Firecracker Meatballs

1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Shape into balls: Shape the mixture into about 1-inch balls and place the formed meatballs in an even layer on the baking sheet.
4. Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the meatballs are golden on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
5. Make the sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth.
6. Heat sauce with meatballs: Once the meatballs have finished cooking, add them and the sauce to a skillet over medium heat. Toss to coat, and let simmer.
7. Serve: Enjoy the firecracker meatballs warm over your choice of rice—whether it’s white, brown, or even cauliflower rice. For added flair, sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes to taste.