Zesty Spicy Apple-Glazed Meatballs
Elevate your dinner game with these Zesty Spicy Apple-Glazed Meatballs, a perfect blend of savory and sweet that tantalizes the taste buds. Each bite bursts with flavor thanks to the rich apple glaze, making these meatballs a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, you can whip up this recipe in no time, or opt for convenience by using frozen meatballs. Experience the comforting aromas of garlic and spices that fill your kitchen as you serve these irresistible meatballs topped with fresh green onions. Each serving is wallet-friendly and packed with goodness, ensuring a satisfying meal for your family without breaking the bank!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1/4 cup (whole)
white or whole wheat bread
2 slices (torn)
85% lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
apple juice or pear nectar
1 cup (none)
reduced sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup (none)
packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for glaze)
green onions
6 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Add the torn bread and allow it to soak for about 10 minutes until softened.
2
To the bread mixture, add the ground beef, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Shape the beef mixture into 48 meatballs, each approximately one inch in diameter.
4
In a 12-inch skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in two batches and cook for about 6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until they are browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a covered dish to keep warm. Drain excess fat from the skillet and wipe it clean.
5
For the apple glaze, in a small bowl, combine the apple juice, reduced-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well mixed.
6
Return the skillet to medium heat and pour the apple glaze mixture into the skillet. Cook while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
7
Add the meatballs back into the skillet, tossing them gently to coat thoroughly with the apple glaze. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
8
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish, sprinkling with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Spicy Apple-Glazed Meatballs?
They are a savory and sweet meatball dish featuring a rich apple glaze, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 48 meatballs, each about one inch in diameter.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of 85% lean ground beef.
What provides the sweetness in the glaze?
The sweetness comes from a combination of apple juice (or pear nectar) and 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
How do I make the meatballs spicy?
Spiciness is added using cayenne pepper in both the meatball mixture and the glaze.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can opt for convenience by using frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
What is the purpose of soaking bread in milk and egg?
Soaking the bread for about 10 minutes softens it, which helps create a better texture for the meatballs.
How long should I cook the meatballs in the skillet?
Cook the meatballs in batches for about 6 minutes per batch until browned and no longer pink inside.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
You can use two slices of either white or whole wheat bread, torn into pieces.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves for a rich, aromatic flavor.
What is the thickening agent for the apple glaze?
The glaze is thickened using 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Can I substitute apple juice with something else?
Yes, you can use pear nectar as an alternative to apple juice.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Reduced-sodium soy sauce is recommended to manage the salt content.
How do I prepare the green onions for garnish?
The recipe calls for 6 green onions to be chopped and sprinkled over the meatballs before serving.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch skillet is ideal for browning the meatballs and preparing the glaze.
How much milk is used in the meatball mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of whole milk.
Should I drain the fat from the pan?
Yes, after browning the meatballs, you should drain the excess fat and wipe the skillet clean before making the glaze.
How long does the glaze need to cook?
Once the glaze begins to bubble and thicken, continue cooking it for an additional 2 minutes while stirring.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the glaze?
After coating the meatballs in the glaze, heat them through for about 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is described as wallet-friendly and uses common kitchen staples.
What spices are used in the meat mixture?
The meat is seasoned with minced garlic, fresh ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
You will need 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to brown the meatballs.
What is the first step in making these meatballs?
The first step is whisking together the egg and milk, then adding torn bread to soak.
How do I ensure the meatballs are evenly coated?
Toss them gently in the skillet once the glaze has thickened and is bubbling.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be quick enough for busy weeknights.
Can I use more cayenne pepper if I want it extra spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the cayenne pepper amounts in the meat or glaze to suit your heat preference.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not list specific calorie or fat counts, but emphasizes wholesome ingredients.
How many servings does this make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the recipe makes 48 one-inch meatballs, typically serving 4 to 6 people.
Should the egg be beaten before adding to the milk?
Yes, the egg should be beaten before whisking it with the milk.
What is the final presentation of the dish?
The glazed meatballs are transferred to a serving dish and topped with fresh chopped green onions.