Sweet Chili Meatball Skewers

$- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) I love using ground beef or turkey for these meatballs. Both options give great flavor. Next, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add texture. They help keep the meatballs moist. Fresh green onions bring a nice crunch and flavor. The egg binds everything together, while garlic adds a punch. - Additional spices or seasonings - Alternative sauces for glazing Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cumin or chili powder for warmth. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. You can also switch up the glaze. Try teriyaki or barbecue sauce for a different vibe. - Bamboo skewers and grilling equipment - Mixing bowls and utensils You’ll need bamboo skewers for these meatballs. Soak them in water first to avoid burning. A grill or grill pan works best for cooking. Use large mixing bowls for combining the ingredients. Simple utensils like spoons and spatulas will help you mix and serve. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Combining the ingredients: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, include 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Next, add 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything until it is well combined. 2. Forming the meatballs: Once mixed, use your hands to form small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. 1. Threading meatballs onto skewers: Take your soaked bamboo skewers. Thread 4 to 5 meatballs onto each skewer. Make sure to leave a small gap between them. This gap allows the heat to reach all sides of the meatballs for even cooking. 2. Preparing the sweet chili glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of sweet chili sauce with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This will create a tasty glaze that adds flavor to your meatballs. 1. Preheating the grill or grill pan: Set your grill or grill pan to medium heat. This step is key for getting a nice char on the meatballs. 2. Cooking times and flipping guidelines: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure all sides brown nicely. Brush them with extra glaze while grilling for added flavor. You’ll know they’re done when they are cooked through and have a lovely char. To make great meatballs, mix the ingredients well. This helps blend flavors and keeps the meatballs from falling apart. I like to use my hands for this part. It makes sure everything is evenly mixed. For moisture, add an egg and breadcrumbs. They help keep the meatballs juicy while cooking. When grilling meatballs, heat is key. Start with medium heat to cook them well. If the grill is too hot, the outsides will burn before the insides cook. Turn the skewers often to get even browning. You can tell the meatballs are done when they reach 160°F. The juices should run clear when you cut one open. For a fun touch, serve the skewers on a big platter. You can add extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. Pair these skewers with cool sides like a salad or rice. They balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. Pro Tips Keep Your Meatballs Uniform: Ensure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form them consistently. Soak Skewers in Water: Prevent bamboo skewers from burning on the grill by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. Brush with Glaze While Grilling: For enhanced flavor, brush the meatballs with the sweet chili glaze multiple times during grilling. Let Them Rest: Allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making them juicier. {{image_2}} You can replace ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. Both options keep the meatballs moist and tasty. If you prefer plant-based proteins, try using lentils or chickpea flour. These options add fiber and flavor. They make the dish lighter and still delicious. Adjust the cooking time for different proteins. Chicken and turkey may cook faster, while plant-based versions need careful cooking. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes to the meatball mix for heat. You can also mix hot sauce into the sweet chili glaze. This gives each bite a kick. Try using different marinades, like teriyaki or barbecue sauce. Each glaze brings a unique twist to the dish. You can even play with herbs and spices to suit your taste. Skewers work well as appetizers or full meals. For appetizers, serve smaller portions with dipping sauce. This makes them party-friendly. For a complete meal, pair the skewers with rice or a salad. You can also add seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies add color and crunch. They also make the dish more nutritious. After enjoying your sweet chili meatball skewers, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure they cool down first to avoid moisture build-up. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few easy options. The oven works well to keep them juicy. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often so they don't overcook. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked meatball skewers. For uncooked skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. To freeze cooked skewers, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for about two months. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. To check if meatballs are done, look for a few signs. They should be firm to the touch. The color inside should be no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer for safety. The internal temp should hit 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey. When you cut one open, the juices must run clear. Trust your senses and enjoy tasty meatballs! Yes, you can prep the skewers ahead! Form the meatballs and thread them onto the skewers. Store them in the fridge for up to one day. Just cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. When you're ready, brush on the glaze and grill. This saves time and keeps your gathering stress-free. You’ll impress your guests with ease! If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, there are great options. Use crushed cornflakes or oats for a crunchy texture. Ground almonds or coconut also work well for gluten-free diets. You can even use crushed crackers! Just ensure they fit the flavor you want. These alternatives keep your meatballs tender while adding a twist. Enjoy experimenting with different textures! You now have a clear guide to making delicious meatball skewers. We covered ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. Don’t forget tips for perfect texture and grilling success. Explore variations to suit your taste, and learn how to store leftovers wisely. With a little practice, you'll impress everyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy your tasty creations!$

Sweet Chili Meatball Skewers

Delicious meatball skewers glazed with sweet chili sauce, perfect for grilling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
1 unit egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika
1 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
to taste unit fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
as needed unit bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Thread 4-5 meatballs onto each bamboo skewer, leaving a small gap between them for even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce to create a glaze.
Brush the meatball skewers with some of the sweet chili glaze.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and browned. Brush with additional glaze during grilling for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a large platter with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh touch.

Keyword appetizer, grilling, meatballs, skewers