Description
These Marmalade Meatballs offer a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, combining tender ground beef meatballs with a tangy orange marmalade and barbecue sauce glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish served over rice or noodles, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with comforting tastes and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying, optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs cook, combine the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and bubbly.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, tossing them gently to coat evenly. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes so they absorb the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve the marmalade meatballs hot. They make a perfect appetizer with toothpicks or a delicious main dish when served over rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Baking the meatballs is a great alternative to frying for an easier clean-up and less oil usage.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to preference.
- These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Make sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
