Meatballs in sweet chili sauce: A flavorful low-calorie dish

Meatballs in sweet chili sauce offer a tantalizing blend of flavors that satisfy cravings without breaking your calorie budget.  

This article AK Food’s explores how to create this mouthwatering dish, combining lean protein with a zesty, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers, this recipe proves that nutritious meals can be incredibly delicious. 

What are meatballs in sweet chili sauce? 

Meatballs in sweet chili sauce are a delightful culinary creation that combines tender, savory meatballs with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This dish represents a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of palates. 

Meatballs in sweet chili sauce offer a unique culinary experience that combines comfort food with exotic flavors. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party dish or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this versatile recipe delivers both taste and satisfaction.  

Ingredients of meatballs in sweet chili sauce  

Meatballs in sweet chili sauce are a delightful combination of savory meatballs and a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the meatballs and another for the sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need: 

For the meatballs 

• 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or a mixture) 

• 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs 

• 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped onion 

• 1 large egg 

• 1 teaspoon salt 

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) 

Ingredients for the meatballs 

For the sweet chili sauce 

• 1/2 cup (120ml) sweet chili sauce 

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 

• Vegetables (optional) 

• 1/4 cup (40g) diced bell peppers 

• 1/4 cup (40g) diced onions 

• 1/4 cup (40g) pineapple chunks 

The meatball mixture yields approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on size. The sauce recipe provides enough to generously coat the meatballs. Adjust quantities as needed based on your preferences and serving size requirements. 

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How to cook meatball in sweet chili sauce 

Prepare the meatballs 

• In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and seasonings. 

• Mix ingredients thoroughly without overworking the meat. 

• Form mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. 

Cook the meatballs 

Option 1: Baking 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

• Place meatballs on the sheet. 

• Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.  

Baking the meatballs 

Option 2: Pan-frying 

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 

• Add meatballs to the skillet. 

• Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. 

Make the sweet chili sauce 

• In a saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, honey/maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. 

• Add optional vegetables if using. 

• Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. 

• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. 

Combine meatballs and sauce 

• Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sweet chili sauce. 

• Gently toss to coat meatballs evenly. 

• Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. 

Serving the dish 

• As an appetizer: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks. 

• As a main course: Serve over steamed rice or noodles. 

• In a sandwich: Place in a roll for a meatball sub. 

• Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro. 

Meatball recipe with sweet chili sauce 

More information: Production procedure

Tips for evaluating meatballs in sweet chili sauce 

Flavor balance 

• Sweetness and heat: The sauce should offer a pleasant initial sweetness followed by a gentle kick of spice. Neither element should overpower the other, creating a harmonious flavor profile that complements the savory meatballs. 

• Seasoning: Well-seasoned meatballs are crucial. They should have enough salt and spices to stand out even when coated in the flavorful sauce. The seasoning should enhance, not mask, the natural flavor of the meat. 

• Ingredients: High-quality ingredients contribute significantly to the overall taste. Fresh herbs, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a good-quality sweet chili sauce base are essential for creating depth of flavor in meatballs in sweet chili sauce. 

Flavor balance 

Texture 

• Meatball consistency: The meatballs should be tender and juicy, not dry or tough. They should hold their shape when coated in sauce but still be easy to bite. A slight crust from cooking can add a pleasant textural contrast. 

• Sauce thickness: The sweet chili sauce should have the right consistency – thick enough to cling to the meatballs but not so thick that it becomes gloopy. It should coat the meatballs evenly, creating a glossy finish. 

Aroma 

When the dish is presented, it should emit an enticing aroma. The smell of well-seasoned meat combined with the sweet and spicy notes of the chili sauce should be apparent and appetizing. A good batch of meatballs in sweet chili sauce will make your mouth water before you bite. 

Presentation 

The dish should be visually attractive. The meatballs should be uniformly sized and shaped, glistening with the vibrant red-orange sweet chili sauce. If vegetables are included, they should add pops of color. Garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds can enhance the overall appearance. 

The dish should be attractive 

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Conclusion 

Meatballs in sweet chili sauce represent the perfect fusion of taste and health consciousness. By using lean meats, incorporating vegetables, and crafting a flavorful yet lower-calorie sauce, this dish proves that dietary restrictions don’t have to mean bland meals.  

Whether you’re looking to cut calories, increase protein intake, or simply enjoy a delicious meal, this dish delivers on all fronts. 

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels: 

Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD) 

Phone number: 028 3815 9696 

Email: contact@akfood.com.vn 

Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City