Firecracker Meatballs
with Roasted Green Beans & Sesame Rice
- Soy
- Wheat
- Sesame
- Eggs
This recipe is here to blow up everything you think you know about meatballs. All dramatics aside, these meatballs are truly game-changing thanks to a certain onomatopoeic sauce. What exactly is “firecracker,” you ask? Well, mystery asker, it’s a creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory (yes, all those things!) sauce so good, it’ll make your taste buds explode! Once the meatballs are baked, they’re tossed in the magical condiment, then plated atop sesame-seed-flecked rice along with crispy roasted green beans (AKA more things to dip in sauce). Don’t be surprised when you find yourself swiping up every last drop.
6 ounce
Green Beans
2 tablespoon
Sour Cream
½ cup
Jasmine Rice
2 tablespoon
Soy Sauce
()
1 teaspoon
Korean Chili Flakes
2 teaspoon
Honey
1 tablespoon
Sesame Seeds
()
2 tablespoon
Mayonnaise
()
10 ounce
Ground Beef
¼ cup
Panko Breadcrumbs
()
2 unit
Scallions
1 teaspoon
Sriracha
1 thumb
Ginger
teaspoon (tsp)
Salt
teaspoon (tsp)
Black Pepper
Adjust rack to top position (top and middle positions for 4 servings) and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry all produce. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens; mince whites. Peel and mince ginger.
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, 2 tsp soy sauce (4 tsp for 4 servings; you’ll use the rest later), and sriracha to taste. Set aside.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add half the sesame seeds (save the rest for serving); cook, stirring, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Add rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings), and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
While rice cooks, in a second large bowl, combine beef, panko, ginger, scallion whites, remaining soy sauce, salt (we used ½ tsp; 1 tsp for 4 servings), and pepper. Form into 10-12 (20-24 for 4)1½-inch meatballs.
Place meatballs on one side of a lightly oiled baking sheet. On empty side, toss green beans with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on top rack until meatballs are cooked through and green beans are browned and tender, 14-16 minutes. (For 4 servings, divide between 2 sheets; roast meatballs on middle rack and green beans on top rack.)
Fluff rice with a fork; season with salt and pepper. Divide between bowls or plates. Carefully add meatballs to bowl with sauce; toss to coat. Top rice with meatballs and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Serve green beans to the side. Garnish with scallion greens, remaining sesame seeds, and chili flakes to taste.
- Flavor: Many loved the tasty meatballs and flavorful firecracker sauce, though some found it too salty or gingery.
- Ease of prep: Generally easy to make, though forming meatballs can be time-consuming for some.
- Suggestions: Consider reducing salt, adjusting ginger to taste, and making extra sauce to drizzle over rice and veggies 🍲.
- Portions: Several wished for more rice; some felt overall portions were small, especially for 4 servings.
- Veggies: Green beans quality was inconsistent; some suggest trying different vegetables or cooking methods.
Firecracker Meatballs meal was a hit & easy to prepare. The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the creamy, spicy sauce added the perfect kick. The roasted green beans and jasmine rice topped it off. Will definitely be a repeat meal in our house.
Pretty darn good. I added a little chili oil and sesame oil to the green beans. Added a clove of garlic to the rice. The meatballs are more like sparkler meatballs than firecrackers (not terribly spicy) but quite good.
This was a great dish! The Pork Meatballs, Roasted Green Beans, and Jasmine Rice all worked well together, with the Firecracker sauce adding that extra flavor. It wasn't too spicy either, which was nice, but we also didn't use all the Korean chili. Plus, the meatballs were fun and easy to make!
Was worried at first at the Firecracker Sauce itself being a bit sweet and tangy as opposed to spicy, but when combined with the very umami meatballs, it all gels together nicely. Rice is a little boring, it's just straight up jasmine rice, but it does serve as a good base for the crisp green beans and sauced meatballs. Might've been improved with some garlic or such?
Firecracker meatballs were fantastic. Such good flavor and I love the Jasmine rice. They do not provide enough green beans for 2 people though. Recipe was quick and easy to make.
I liked the firecracker meatballs the best. No wait, I liked the roasted green beans the best. No wait again. I liked the jasmine rice the best. Can I start over?
The firecracker sauce was a great combination for the meatballs and the rice. The jasmine rice cooks well and is delicious. Again, we like the roasted vegetables.
I don't think I have ever roasted green beans before but I will be doing them that way from now on. The firecracker meatballs had just the right amount of spice since I was able to regulate how much spice to incorporate into the recipe.
This recipe makes plenty for a fun, easy dinner. More green beans would have been nice but the meatballs were fun and flavorful. If you're worried about spice, don't be-these were flavorful but not "spicy" despite the firecracker name. Might use this as an appetizer idea for my next party!
The very first recipe my family tried and it was delicious! Super simple to make for someone who doesn't cook too often. The meatballs and sauce were the stars of the show and the ginger and scallions added such a dynamic flavor. The jasmine rice was also a great hearty filler. This style of green beans isn't particularly what I'm used to, but I enjoyed them as well!
