Looking for a recipe that’s as irresistible at a party as it is on a weeknight dinner table? Sweet Chili Meatballs strike the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a glossy sweet chili glaze that’s bursting with bold Asian-inspired notes. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleasing main dish, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile – Serve as finger food, over rice, or in sliders.
- Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to suit kids or spice lovers.
- Healthier Options – Works with chicken, turkey, or even plant-based substitutes.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Homemade sauce option for fresher flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they matter:
For the Meatballs
- Ground beef or pork – Juicy and flavorful base.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Keep meatballs light and airy.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- Garlic & ginger – Add aromatic depth.
- Green onions – Fresh, savory lift.
- Soy sauce – Boosts umami.
For the Sweet Chili Glaze
- Sweet chili sauce – The star of the show, balancing sweet + spicy.
- Soy sauce – Enhances savory notes.
- Rice vinegar – Adds brightness.
- Honey or brown sugar – Extra stickiness and sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For extra heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and green onions. Mix gently—overmixing makes meatballs tough.
2. Shape & Bake
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
(Tip: For crispier edges, broil for the last 2 minutes.)
3. Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
In a saucepan, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Toss & Serve
Add baked meatballs to the pan, tossing until fully coated in glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired.
Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce (Optional Upgrade)
Want to skip store-bought? Here’s a quick homemade version:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sambal oelek (or chili flakes)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (slurry)
Bring all ingredients except slurry to a simmer. Stir in slurry until thickened. Done in under 10 minutes!
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer Style – With toothpicks at parties.
- Main Dish – Over jasmine rice or noodles.
- Fusion Twist – In bao buns, sliders, or tacos.
- Healthy Option – Paired with stir-fried veggies or lettuce wraps.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze meatballs (before glazing) up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in skillet with fresh glaze for best results.
Nutrition (Per Serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 16g
(Values vary depending on meat choice and glaze.)
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Make them spicier with sriracha or extra chili flakes.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Double the glaze if serving over rice (it soaks up beautifully).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make sweet chili meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and bake the meatballs ahead. Add glaze when ready to serve for the freshest taste.
2. Are sweet chili meatballs spicy?
Mild with a gentle kick. Adjust spice with more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
3. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely. Bake or pan-fry them first, then toss in homemade glaze.
4. How do I thicken sweet chili sauce?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
Final Thoughts
Sweet Chili Meatballs are the ultimate fusion of flavor and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping for a party, or simply craving something sweet, spicy, and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once—and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
