Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs

Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs are a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The meatballs are made with ground meat (usually beef, pork, or chicken), seasoned to perfection, and baked or pan-fried until golden. Then, they are tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze made with honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic. The glaze coats the meatballs, giving them a shiny, flavorful finish that’s both tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of heat.

I first made Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs when I wanted to try something new with meatballs, and the combination of honey and Sriracha immediately caught my attention. The result was delicious—the sweet honey balanced the heat of the Sriracha, and the savory meatballs were the perfect vessel to soak up the glaze. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can adjust the sweetness or spice level by tweaking the amounts of honey and Sriracha to suit your taste. These meatballs are perfect for parties, game nights, or a flavorful weeknight dinner!

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
Party appetizers
Weeknight dinners
Meal prepping
Fans of sweet and spicy dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs will become a staple in your recipe collection:

Sweet & Spicy Perfection: The balance of honey’s sweetness and sriracha’s kick creates an unforgettable flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile: Can be served as a party appetizer, over rice, or even in a sandwich.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, making them a hit at any event.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and glaze when ready to serve.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the sriracha to suit your spice preference.
Protein-Packed: These meatballs are a delicious source of protein.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a dietary-friendly version.
Great for Meal Prep: Store and reheat easily for quick meals throughout the week.
Visually Appealing: Their glossy glaze and garnishes make for a stunning presentation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs)
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken or turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Sriracha Glaze:

¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional for thickening)

Optional Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

Ground Chicken or Turkey: A lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the glaze beautifully.
Sriracha: Provides the dish with its signature spicy kick.
Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the meatballs and glaze.
Rice Vinegar: Enhances the tangy undertone of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Form Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Make the Honey Sriracha Glaze:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer.
Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Coat the Meatballs:

Toss in Glaze: Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the prepared glaze until evenly coated.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Serve:

Plate and Enjoy: Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs:

As a Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Over Steamed Rice: Create a hearty meal by pairing with jasmine or brown rice.
In Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
With Stir-Fried Veggies: Add a side of broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
In a Sub Sandwich: Stuff into a baguette for a spicy meatball sub.
With Noodles: Toss with lo mein or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired dish.
As a Pizza Topping: Add sliced meatballs to a homemade pizza for a unique twist.
In Grain Bowls: Combine with quinoa, avocado, and pickled veggies for a balanced bowl.
With Cucumber Salad: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Meal Prep Boxes: Portion into containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.

Additional Tips

Balance the Heat: Adjust the Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder glaze, reduce the Sriracha and add a splash of rice vinegar or honey.
Meatball Texture: To keep meatballs tender and juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
Uniform Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size. This helps them cook evenly and look more appealing on the plate.
Chill Before Cooking: Let your formed meatballs chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better.
Sear for Flavor: Sear the meatballs in a hot pan before adding them to the sauce. This adds a delicious caramelized crust.
Thicken the Glaze: If the glaze is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
Add Garlic for Depth: Sauté some minced garlic with the meatballs or in the glaze for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the finished dish to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Serve on a Bed of Rice: Pair the glazed meatballs with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to create a complete, satisfying meal.
Prep Ahead for Parties: Make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to serve, heat them up, toss them in the glaze, and garnish for an easy party appetizer.

Recipe Variations

Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground chicken for turkey for a slightly different flavor.
Spicy Garlic Meatballs: Add minced chili and extra garlic for a fiery kick.
Teriyaki Glaze: Replace honey sriracha glaze with a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Thai-Inspired: Add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to the glaze.
Air-Fried Meatballs: Cook meatballs in an air fryer for a crispier texture.
Asian BBQ Sauce: Swap sriracha with gochujang for a Korean-inspired twist.
Pineapple Glaze: Mix crushed pineapple into the glaze for a tropical flavor.
Sesame Ginger Meatballs: Add fresh grated ginger and sesame seeds to the meat mixture.
Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a keto-friendly version.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: For baking the meatballs evenly.
Mixing Bowls: To combine and mix ingredients.
Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized meatballs.
Small Saucepan: To prepare the glaze.
Whisk: For smooth and lump-free sauces.
Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
Serving Platter: To present the meatballs beautifully.
Tongs: For tossing the meatballs in the glaze.
Rice Cooker: Optional for perfect, fluffy rice to serve alongside.

FAQ Section

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs ahead, then reheat and glaze them before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze baked meatballs without the glaze for up to 2 months. Glaze after reheating.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, panko, or almond flour are great substitutes.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and use an egg as a binder.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What’s the best way to reheat these meatballs?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I make these meatballs spicier?
Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños for more heat.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, ground beef or turkey also works well in this recipe.
What’s the best side dish to serve with these meatballs?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple cucumber salad pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that make for an irresistible appetizer or main dish. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground meat (typically beef, pork, or turkey), breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then baked or pan-fried until golden and cooked through.

The star of the dish is the glaze, which combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of sriracha sauce, along with a touch of soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar for depth. Once the meatballs are cooked, they’re tossed in this delicious honey-sriracha sauce, which caramelizes slightly on the meatballs, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

I can’t wait to see how your Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!