Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Our Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are juicy and tender, with a sweet and tangy sauce. They’re a simple dinner or the perfect party food for that special event.
Love meatball recipes? Try our Asian Chicken Meatballs, Turkey Pesto Meatballs, or Chicken Parmesan Meatballs.
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Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious – These crockpot sesame meatballs come with an Asian-inspired sauce that takes the flavor to the next level.
- Party Favorite – They’re an easy holiday appetizer that feeds a big crowd, sure to leave your guests satisfied and impressed. Serve them with our antipasto salad platter.
- Crockpot Recipe – Easy to make with little cleanup, this dish requires only about 30 minutes of active prep, then the crockpot does all the work. It’s a hassle-free yet tasty option.
- Make Ahead – These meatballs are great to make ahead and then let the crockpot keep the meatballs and sauce warm on the day. See notes below.
Ingredients
Here are some of the ingredient highlights of our spicy party meatballs. See the recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
- Pork & beef: This ground meat mix keeps things flavourful and moist.
- Binders: Eggs and panko breadcrumbs, both help bind the meatballs together. Italian breadcrumbs work, too.
- Flavorings: Garlic and onion.
- Soy sauce: We use low-sodium soy sauce to give our meatball sauce that umami flavor without the salt.
- White wine vinegar: A sauce essential that adds some acidity to really bring out the other flavors.
- Sesame seeds: The finishing touch that makes our meatballs look mouthwateringly good.
- Herbs: Cilantro and green onions for those fresh, herby notes; and red pepper flakes for a slight fiery kick.
Substitutions
Here are the various ways you can tailor these Asian sweet and spicy meatballs to your liking:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, such as Tamari or Coconut Aminos.
- Low-carb: Make a less-sweet sauce or choose a store-bought diet variant.
- Meat: Prefer poultry? Replace pork and beef with ground turkey or chicken
- Vinegar: Swap white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
- Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite chili sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, or even BBQ sauce.
- Classic Twist: Fancy grape jelly meatballs? Create a grape jelly sauce for a nostalgic flavor.
How to Make Spicy Meatballs
This sweet and spicy meatballs recipe takes no time, just follow these simple steps. Check the recipe card at the bottom for more detailed instructions.
Step 1: Mix the meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then form into 1½ inch meatballs.
Step 2: Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Broil the meatballs for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be slightly browned but still raw inside.
Step 4: Move the meatballs to a crockpot.
Step 5: For the spicy meatball sauce, mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, then pour over the meatballs. Leave out the green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 6: Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Expert Tips
These expert tips will help you make the best Sweet and Spicy Meatballs:
- Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so that tidying up is a breeze!
- Shortcut Alert: In a rush? You can buy pre-made frozen meatballs. No need to thaw – just toss them in!
- Spice it Up: For those who like it hot, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. We’re fans of Frank’s hot sauce!
- Party Ready: Using a slow cooker or crockpot? Keep it on to ensure your meatballs stay warm throughout the party.
- Mix it Right: Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Use your hands and mix until just combined for the perfect texture.
- Juicy Goodness: For juicy meatballs, avoid overcooking. A meat thermometer is your best friend here (160°F or 70°C).
Serving Suggestions
For a hearty main dish, these meatballs go well with either fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For potlucks or holiday parties, make them smaller and serve as cocktail meatballs with cocktail sticks.
Here are some other small plate-type dishes that’ll go well on your appetizer table:
How to Store
Keep your homemade meatballs fresh for longer by following these tips:
- Fridge: Keep the meatballs in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Store them separately from the sauce.
- Freezer: They can be frozen and stored for up to three months. Freeze them cooked or uncooked.
- Reheat: Use a large skillet or saucepan, and reheat together with the sauce. Make sure they are piping hot before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Eggs are a key ingredient in this recipe – they act like glue, helping the meatballs hold their shape. They also add more moisture to the mix, so the meatballs are nice and juicy.
Adding some egg is even more important when using store-bought dried breadcrumbs – otherwise, your meat mixture will be too crumbly.
For main meals, each meatball should weigh about 1 ounce (~30g), with a recommended serving of 4-5 per person. So, for a crowd of 100 guests, a total of 400-500 meatballs sounds about right.
When making smaller party meatballs as part of a party spread, around 200-300 is probably enough.
Eggs and breadcrumbs are the magic duo that helps meatballs keep their form. The egg is a binder, while breadcrumbs soak up the moisture and add some structure – making your meatballs firm yet juicy.
We also use a bit of a culinary secret in this meatball recipe – grated white onion. This little addition further improves our meatballs’ juiciness.
In this easy recipe, we bake the meatballs in the oven. It’s our chosen method because it’s healthier – there’s less oil involved. It’s also less hassle – a bit of parchment paper in your baking pan, and cleanup is easy.
However, stovetop cooking works well, too. Just use a large skillet over medium heat, and be sure to keep turning the meatballs so they cook evenly.
Add the sauce before the meatballs are fully done so they don’t overcook. A temperature probe will help you cook them just right (160°F or 70°C).
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If you try Sweet and Spicy Meatballs, please leave a star rating and let me know how you like the recipe in the comments below.
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Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 mins
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 mins
- Yield: 35 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These saucy crockpot sweet and spicy meatballs make the best appetizer for large gatherings. The meatballs are quickly broiled and then simmered in a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce!
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated onion (see note)
- 1/4 cup plain Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Kosher salt and pepper
Sauce
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (use 1/4 tsp. for less heat)
- 2 Tbsp. green onion, white and green parts sliced
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
Instructions
Meatballs
- Line one full baking sheet pan or two half baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Form into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place on the lined sheet pan in a single layer. You should get approximately 35 meatballs. If serving meatballs as an appetizer, roll them into 1-inch balls. This will yield approximately 50 meatballs.
- Position the oven rack in the upper third and broil the meatballs for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Meatballs should be slightly browned on the outside but still raw on the inside. Transfer into a large crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients, except for the green onions and sesame seeds. Pour over the meatballs, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cook the meatballs on low for 3 hours, mixing halfway through. Serve meatballs garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Onion: Use a box grater with large holes to grate the onion.
- To Make Ahead: Broil the meatballs and prepare the sauce the night before. Store covered separately in the refrigerator until ready to be cooked in the crockpot.
- Frozen Meatballs: Some of the readers tried using frozen meatballs. Please see the comment section for feedback.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 266
- Sugar: 21.5 g
- Sodium: 568.6 mg
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.7 g
- Protein: 17.2 g
- Cholesterol: 80.9 mg
Keywords: cocktail meatballs, appetizer, party food
Recipe originally published November 2014 but since been updated with new information and images.
Hi! I'm Katya -- a former corporate paralegal turned full-time recipe developer and blogger behind Little Broken. Here you'll find family-friendly and seasonal recipes made from real ingredients.
Hello Katya, I made these meatballs back in 2015 and they were a huge hit. I prepped the meatballs and the sauce today (6/18/21) and I will cook them in my crockpot tomorrow. My question is, should I store the meatballs separate from the sauce? Or can I put them in the sauce in the fridge overnight? I was wondering if the meatballs would absorb some of the sauce if I put them together. Thanks in advance. Donna
Hi Donna, I would keep the meatballs and sauce separate. Thanks.
Could the meatballs be cooked over the stove top after broiling? If so, how long should they take to cook?
(I have a huge crockpot and don’t want to have to double the sauce for the meatballs to be covered)
Hi Michelle: Are you trying to make this recipe on the stovetop or just the meatballs?
I’m trying to cook the meatballs through after broiling in the oven and wondered if this could be done on the stovetop and if so how long to have the same affect as crockpot?
It’s hard to say exactly how long as I haven’t tried them on the stovetop but yes you definitely can prepare them on the stovetop. I would make the sauce, bring it to a simmer, then add the meatballs to the sauce and cook until fully cooked through.
I use rice wine vinegar as a substitute every time and it’s perfect, I always have that on hand whereas I don’t have white wine vinegar on hand.
Thank you! That’s a great tip.
Great! I used the recipe for the sauce and used frozen meatballs! Cooked on low for 4 and half hours and they were yummy!
★★★★★
Thank you Tina! Love the frozen meatball hack.
My sister in law can’t have pork. Would you recommend ground turkey or ground chicken for these meatballs? Thanks!
Hi Lisa, you can certainly substitute turkey or chicken! Let me know how they turn out for you.
If you put this for 8 hours in the slow cooker on low wil it be the same outcome?
It’s hard for me to give you a definite answer without trying first. Honestly, I think it would be too much but like I said I’m not positive. If you try it for 8 hours, let me know how it turns out.
For those asking about frozen meatballs, I used Farm Rich frozen turkey meatballs and they turned out great. Cooked on high for about 3 hours, stirring a couple times per the original recipe. Big hit at potluck
Thanks for your feedback Olivia! Glad you enjoyed the meatballs.
Just made these for a party last night and they were a huge hit!!! Substituted turkey for beef and these turned out delicious. Thanks so much for the recipe!
So happy to hear that Ksharma! I’m glad they turned out well 🙂
Hello, sorry I’m late to the post! I was wondering how the cooking time would change in the crockpot if I use a bag of the frozen precooked meatballs? Thanks!
Hi Jessica, it’s hard to say as I only used fresh meatballs. I would recommend you use your best judgement.
Hi! Did yours turn out well with the frozen meatballs? I went to go buy ground pork and supermarket was out. Will try going back later but in the meantime I have frozen ones just in case. Wondering if I just pop them in there or defrost night before and cook in sauce. Any suggestions will be greatly helpful before end of day! Thanks!
I made these for Thanksgiving and they were a hit!
I’m going to make for Christmas Eve too, but don’t have the time for them to cook in the crockpot as we need to drive.
Can I cook all of the way in the oven and then just use the crockpot to rewarm them with the sauce?
Any suggestions on temp and length of time to bake them?
Hi Anna: You can certainly cook them all the way in the oven but I would NOT broil them but bake at 350F for about 15 minutes, then turn them over and continue baking for additional 5 minutes or until somewhat crispy on the outside. This is a good starting time and you can always check for doneness after 15 minutes and see how much longer you need to cook. Hope this helps 🙂 I’m glad you liked the meatballs to make them over again. Merry Christmas to you! Let me know how they turn out.
Hi Katya,
I made these recently and they were fantastic. I am not a fan of beef, so I used ground turkey, 93% lean. A little strange, but all of the ground pork was gone at the market…didn’t want to go to another market, so I bought ground pork sausage instead. I love this recipe and will be making these to bring to a party. The party invite asks people to bring appetizers, so I’m wondering if the hostess has anything to keep the food that people bring warm. I would like them to stay warm to hot – any suggestions as to what to put them in when I bring to the party?
Hi Donna! I’m so glad you liked these meatballs to make them again! I would suggest to keep them in the actual crockpot that you use to make them in and reheat the meatballs on low heat setting at the party. Or if that’s too much hassle, you can bring the cooked meatballs with you and use hostesses crockpot to reheat on low setting. Another option would be to reheat them in the oven in a casserole dish at a low 300F and serve them right away. These are some options. I think your best bet would be to keep them in a crockpot if you want them hot all evening low. Hope this helps! Enjoy your party !!!
Thanks, Katya!
I appreciate the different options! It should be a fun party – haven’t seen these people (high school friends) for around 40 years!
Thanks again.
Donna
Can you substitute chicken for the pork?
Hi Steffanie! You can certainly swap chicken for the pork, however, chicken tends to be a little dry so if you are swapping, I would recommend you cut the broil time approx in half or just watch the meatballs when they broil so the chicken is not overcooked. Let me know how they turn out for you! Happy Holidays!
These meatballs look mouthwatering, Katya! I am always hesitant to make them because they are so time consuming but my kids love them and beg me to make them all the time. Great recipe!
★★★★★
These look yummy , I am going to make them for Christmas Eve!
Hi Karen! Thank you! Let me know how they turn out for you. Happy Holidays!
Great recipe utilizing the crock pot. I am always on the lookout for slow cooker recipes and this one looks awesome!
★★★★★
Wow these meatballs look delicious! I especially love that they can easily be made in a crockpot and left to cook whilst entertaining guests.. definitely perfect for the upcoming festive season!