Description
These Marmalade Meatballs are a flavorful fusion of sweet and savory, 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, they offer a delightful balance of spices, sweetness, and a slight hint of heat 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 meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes for a hands-off cooking method.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir and heat the mixture until it becomes smooth and bubbly, ensuring all ingredients meld together.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all meatballs evenly. Allow them to simmer together for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through completely.
- Serve: Serve the marmalade meatballs hot. They make a perfect appetizer when served with toothpicks or a satisfying main course over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying for a healthier preparation.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Serve as an appetizer or over your choice of grains for a filling meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
