Jamaican Jerk Meatballs in Zesty Rum Sauce
Indulge in the tropical flavors of the Caribbean with these Jamaican Jerk Meatballs, expertly crafted from high-quality ground beef and complemented by a vibrant combination of vegetables and spices. These delicious meatballs are baked until golden brown and then gently simmered in a rich, zesty rum sauce infused with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and ginger. The addition of dark rum and a touch of molasses creates a sweet-and-spicy harmony, while crunchy salted peanuts provide a delightful texture. Perfect for family dinners or as standout appetizers at your next gathering, this dish transports your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of the Caribbean.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 1/4 lbs (raw)
Cooked Rice
1 cup (cooked)
Small Onion
1 (grated)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Small Red Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
4 (minced)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (chopped)
Large Jalapeno Pepper
1 (minced)
Beef Stock
2 cups
Dark Rum
1/4 cup
Sliced Green Olives
1/4 cup
Medium Tomatoes
3 (chopped)
Fresh Grated Ginger
2 tablespoons (or 1/2 tsp ground)
Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons
Molasses
2 tablespoons
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (fresh is best)
Chopped Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (or parsley)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon
Chopped Salted Peanuts
1/2 cup
Cooking Spray
(for baking)
Instructions
1
For the Meatballs: Preheat your oven's broiler. Grate the small onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat it with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, grated onion, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3
Shape the meat mixture into 2-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
4
Broil the meatballs approximately 6 inches from the heat source, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 10 minutes). Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
5
For the Sauce: Chop the small red onion, green bell pepper, and fresh tomatoes. Mince the remaining 4 garlic cloves and the jalapeno pepper.
6
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened.
7
Stir in the beef stock, dark rum, sliced green olives, chopped tomatoes, fresh ginger, tomato paste, molasses, and lime juice. Bring this mixture to a lively boil, stirring frequently, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
8
Gently add the browned meatballs and chopped cilantro to the sauce. Bring the mixture back to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer on low for another 15 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure they are well-coated in the sauce.
9
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet, allowing it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
10
Serve the meatballs drizzled generously with the rum sauce, and top with a sprinkle of chopped salted peanuts for added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Jamaican Jerk Meatballs in Zesty Rum Sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 lbs of raw ground beef to create the meatballs.
What serves as the binder for these meatballs?
One cup of cooked rice is mixed into the ground beef to help bind the meatballs and add texture.
How should the meatballs be cooked initially?
The meatballs are broiled in the oven approximately 6 inches from the heat source for about 10 minutes until browned on all sides.
What type of rum is recommended for the zesty sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dark rum to create the authentic Caribbean flavor profile.
How do you thicken the rum sauce?
The sauce is thickened by stirring in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water at the end of the simmering process.
What provides the final crunch to this dish?
The meatballs are topped with 1/2 cup of chopped salted peanuts before serving for a delightful crunchy texture.
How many garlic cloves are used in total?
A total of 6 garlic cloves are used: 2 minced for the meatballs and 4 minced for the sauce.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 2-inch meatballs.
What kind of peppers are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes one green bell pepper and one large jalapeno pepper for a balance of flavor and heat.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
Once added to the sauce, the meatballs simmer on low heat for 15 minutes while covered.
Can I substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger?
Yes, if you do not have 2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger instead.
What role does molasses play in the sauce?
Molasses is used to create a sweet-and-spicy harmony and contributes to the rich, dark color of the rum sauce.
Are there olives in this Jamaican Jerk recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of sliced green olives which add a salty, briny component to the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is fresh or bottled lime juice recommended?
The recipe specifies that fresh lime juice is best for the 2 tablespoons required.
What herbs are used for garnishing or flavoring the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, but notes that parsley can be used as a substitute.
How should the onions be prepared for the meatballs?
The small onion for the meatballs should be grated rather than chopped to ensure a smooth texture.
What liquid is used for the sauce base besides rum?
The sauce uses 2 cups of beef stock as its primary liquid base.
How do you prepare the baking sheet for the meatballs?
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray.
Should the meatballs be turned while broiling?
Yes, you should turn the meatballs occasionally while broiling to ensure they are browned on all sides.
What kind of onion is used in the sauce?
A small red onion, chopped, is used specifically for the sauce component.
How long do you sauté the vegetables for the sauce?
Sauté the red onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno for about 3 minutes until they are softened.
What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 chopped medium fresh tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is the sauce simmered before adding the meatballs?
Yes, after bringing the sauce ingredients to a boil, you should reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes before adding the meatballs.
Do you add the cilantro at the beginning or end of the sauce cooking?
The chopped cilantro is added to the sauce at the same time as the browned meatballs, before the final 15-minute simmer.
What is the recommended heat level for the skillet when making the sauce?
The vegetable oil should be heated over medium-high heat for the initial sautéing of the vegetables.
Can this recipe be served as an appetizer?
Yes, the description highlights that these meatballs make standout appetizers for gatherings.
Should the rice be raw or cooked when mixed into the beef?
The rice must be fully cooked before being combined with the raw ground beef.
What oil is used for sautéing the sauce vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What is the flavor profile of the final dish?
The dish features tropical Caribbean flavors with a sweet-and-spicy harmony of jerk spices, rum, and molasses.