Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Name: Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra heat); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken sauce)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

These Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-04T05:14:28.742Z

Discover the delightful blend of sweet honey and spicy garlic in these tender meatballs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a party, they are sure to impress your guests!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
Tender, juicy meatballs that are easy to make
Great for gatherings or a comforting family meal
Can be served as an appetizer or main dish

      

The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

These Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are not just a treat for your taste buds; they are an ideal appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a holiday party, or a casual get-together, these meatballs will impress your guests. Their sweet and spicy flavor profile makes them a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of beverages, from cocktails to soft drinks.

Moreover, these meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. You can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance and simply bake them right before serving. This convenience allows you to spend more time enjoying the company of your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Healthier Comfort Food

Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or unhealthy. These meatballs use lean ground beef and are packed with fresh ingredients like parsley and garlic, making them a healthier option compared to many traditional meatball recipes. The use of honey as a natural sweetener adds a touch of sweetness without relying on refined sugars.

Additionally, you can easily customize the recipe to fit your dietary preferences. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to gluten-sensitive guests. This recipe allows for flexibility while still delivering on flavor.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

While these meatballs shine as a standalone appetizer, they can also be a delightful main dish. Serve them over a bed of rice or noodles, drizzled with the spicy honey garlic sauce for a complete meal. You could also pair them with a fresh salad to balance out the flavors.

Another fun serving idea is to turn them into sliders. Place a meatball on a mini bun, add a slice of cheese, and top it off with some extra sauce for a delicious twist. These meatball sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken sauce)

Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and mix well.

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Prepare Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sriracha in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.

Thicken Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Once meatballs are done, place them in the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat.

Serve

Serve the spicy honey garlic meatballs warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious meatballs with rice or as an appetizer!

Storage Tips

If you have leftover Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs, you’ll be pleased to know that they store well. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs. They can be frozen on a baking sheet until solid, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the sweet and spicy flavors of these meatballs, consider serving them with a refreshing drink. A light beer, sparkling water with a splash of lime, or a fruity cocktail can enhance the overall dining experience. These beverages can help balance the heat from the red pepper flakes and the sweetness from the honey.

If you're looking to create a full meal, pair the meatballs with steamed vegetables or a bright coleslaw. The crunch and freshness of the vegetables will contrast nicely with the rich flavors of the meatballs, providing a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative.

→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them up to a day in advance before baking.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.