Grilled Meatballs with Sweet Heat Sauce

Grilled Meatballs with Sweet Heat Sauce is a flavorful dish featuring juicy meatballs grilled to perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s great for appetizers, parties, or as a main course served with rice or salad.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sweet Heat Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Meatballs:
   • Place the meatballs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Sweet Heat Sauce:
   • While the meatballs are grilling, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey (or brown sugar), ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using).
   • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Coat the Meatballs:
   • Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet heat sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the grilled meatballs hot with toothpicks for appetizers or over rice, noodles, or a salad for a main dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mix.
• If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the meatballs in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes.
• Adjust the level of heat by increasing or reducing the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its balance of sweet and spicy flavors and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Enjoy!