Spicy Citrus Meatball Fiesta
Rev up your taste buds with our Spicy Citrus Meatball Fiesta, the ultimate party snack for any tailgating event! This recipe packs a big punch with bold flavors, combining the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with a fiery kick of hot sauce. Perfectly balanced with sweet brown sugar and aromatic spices, including hand-crushed coriander seeds and freshly grated ginger, these meatballs deliver a lip-smacking sensation that's sure to fuel your game day festivities. Ideal for large gatherings ranging from the Rolex 24 to the Super Bowl, this big batch of meatballs will keep your pit crew energized and craving more. Trust us, these flavorful spheres of delight are a sure-win for any competitive foodie!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oranges
2 (Juiced)
Orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (Divided (1/4 teaspoon for sauce, 1/4 teaspoon for meatballs))
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (Divided (1/4 cup for sauce))
Hot sauce
2 tablespoons (Preferably Frank's)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (None)
Coriander seed
1/4 teaspoon (Crushed)
Fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (Finely grated)
Beef stock
3/4 cup (None)
Sherry wine
2 tablespoons (None)
Ground beef
2 lbs (None)
Ground turkey
2 lbs (None)
White onion
1 (Finely chopped)
Celery
1 stalk (Finely chopped)
Dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Celery seed
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the sauce: juice the two oranges to yield about 1 cup of fresh orange juice.
2
Measure out 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest, dividing it into 1/4 teaspoon each for the sauce and meatballs.
3
In a microwavable bowl, combine all sauce ingredients: orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon of orange zest, soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, crushed coriander seed, fresh ginger, beef stock, and sherry wine.
4
Heat the sauce mixture in the microwave until it reaches a boiling point, then let it stand for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
Taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning by adding more hot sauce for heat or brown sugar for sweetness, as per your preference.
6
Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot just enough to cover the entire surface.
7
For the meatballs, mix the grated ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of the orange zest into the remaining liquids (sauce) to ensure even distribution of flavors.
8
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, chopped onion, celery, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, celery seed, eggs, and the ginger/zest mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
9
Divide the mixture into small portions and form meatballs, packing them tightly for a firmer bite.
10
Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden-brown. Cooking times may vary.
11
Once browned, pile the meatballs into the crockpot and pour the rest of the sauce over them.
12
Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for about 4 hours. Stir the meatballs every hour to ensure they absorb the sauce evenly.
13
Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors at your next tailgating event!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Citrus Meatball Fiesta?
It is a bold and zesty party snack featuring meatballs flavored with orange, hot sauce, and fresh spices, perfect for large tailgating events.
What are the primary flavor components of this dish?
The dish combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the fiery kick of hot sauce, balanced by sweet brown sugar and aromatic spices like ginger and coriander.
How many oranges are required for the recipe?
You will need 2 oranges, which should be juiced to yield approximately 1 cup of fresh orange juice.
How is the orange zest used in this recipe?
You need 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest, divided equally with 1/4 teaspoon for the sauce and 1/4 teaspoon for the meatball mixture.
What kind of hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, preferably Frank's brand.
Can I adjust the sweetness or heat of the sauce?
Yes, you can taste the sauce after heating and adjust by adding more hot sauce for heat or more brown sugar for sweetness.
What size crockpot is needed for this recipe?
A 6-quart crockpot is recommended to accommodate this big batch of meatballs.
What meats are used to make the meatballs?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 lbs of ground beef and 2 lbs of ground turkey.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, crushed coriander seed, fresh ginger, beef stock, and sherry wine in a bowl and microwave until boiling.
How long should the sauce sit after boiling?
Let the sauce stand for about 10 minutes after heating to allow the flavors to meld together.
Should I put sauce in the crockpot before the meatballs?
Yes, pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot just to cover the surface before adding the meatballs.
What vegetables are included in the meatball mixture?
The meatball mixture includes one finely chopped white onion and one stalk of finely chopped celery.
How many eggs are used as a binder?
The recipe calls for 4 beaten eggs to help bind the meatball ingredients together.
What is the recommended oven temperature for browning meatballs?
If you choose to bake them, the oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) until they are golden-brown.
How long do the meatballs cook in the crockpot?
The meatballs should cook on the low setting for approximately 4 hours.
Do the meatballs need to be stirred during cooking?
Yes, you should stir the meatballs every hour to ensure they are evenly coated and absorb the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for the Super Bowl?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal snack for large gatherings like the Super Bowl or the Rolex 24.
How should the coriander seeds be prepared?
The 1/4 teaspoon of coriander seeds should be hand-crushed before being added to the sauce.
How much beef stock is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of beef stock for the sauce mixture.
What type of ginger is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely grated fresh ginger.
How much soy sauce is used?
A total of 1/2 cup of soy sauce is used, with a portion of it (1/4 cup) specifically designated for the sauce.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of brown sugar to provide sweetness to the sauce.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
You should use 1 garlic clove that has been minced.
Are there any other spices in the meatballs besides ginger?
Yes, the meatball mixture also includes 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed.
What kind of breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
Does the recipe include alcohol?
Yes, the sauce includes 2 tablespoons of sherry wine.
How should I form the meatballs?
Divide the mixture into small portions and pack them tightly to ensure a firmer bite.
Can I brown the meatballs in a skillet?
Yes, you can brown them in a skillet over medium-high heat as an alternative to baking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients used in the Spicy Citrus Meatball Fiesta.
How should the final dish be served?
The meatballs should be served hot directly from the crockpot for the best flavor experience.