If you’re craving a dinner that’s big on flavor but still easy enough for a weeknight, these Firecracker Meatballs with Broccoli & Jasmine Rice check every box. Juicy meatballs are tossed in a sweet-and-spicy firecracker sauce that’s bold without being overwhelming, then paired with tender broccoli and fluffy jasmine rice for a complete, balanced meal.
This recipe is a family-friendly favorite that can easily be adjusted for spice lovers or mild eaters, making it perfect for busy nights, meal prep lunches, or even freezer meals. Everything comes together quickly, and the leftovers (if there’s any left!) are just as good the next day.
Kelly’s Kitchen Tip’s
Don’t overmix the meat
Gently mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Use a scoop for even cooking
A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate.
Roast or steam broccoli
Roasting adds extra flavor, while steaming keeps things quick — both work great with the sauce.
Sauce at the end
Toss the meatballs in the firecracker sauce after cooking to prevent burning and keep the sauce sticky and glossy.
Fluff the rice
Let jasmine rice rest for a few minutes before fluffing to keep it light and fluffy.
Customization & Variations
Adjust the spice
- Mild: Reduce chili sauce or sriracha
- Spicy: Add extra hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes
Protein swaps
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Store-bought frozen meatballs (for a shortcut!)
Veggie add-ins
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Carrots
- Zucchini
Grain swaps
- Brown rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
Topping ideas
Lime wedge for brightness
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Drizzle of extra sauce
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator
Store meatballs, broccoli, and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce to keep everything moist.
Meal prep
Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Freezer-friendly
Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Firecracker Meatballs with Broccoli & Jasmine Rice
Equipment
- Large Sheet pan
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 scallions
- 1 thumb of fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 crown of broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Then wash and dry your scallions and thumb of ginger.
- Thinly slice scallions, separating the white from the greens and mince the white scallions. Peel and mince ginger until you get about 1 tbsp worth. And remove your broccoli from the stalk.
- In a large bowl, combine (2 tbsp) mayo, (2 tbsp) sour cream, (2 tsp) soy sauce – you will use the remaining sauce later, and (1 tbsp) sriracha*. Mix until a smooth sauce if formed and set aside.
- In a small/ medium pot, combine (1 cup) jasmine rice with (1 cup) water and a hearty pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then cover with lid and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until the rice is fully & tender, about 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off the heat until you're ready to serve.
- While your rice is cooking, in a large bowl, combine (1 lb) ground beef, (1⁄4 cup) panko crumbs, (1 heaping tbsp) minced ginger, minced scallion whites, the remaining soy sauce (roughly 1 1⁄2 tbsp), (1⁄2 tsp) salt and (1⁄4 tsp) pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form mixture into 10-12 meatballs by gently forming & rolling.
- Place meatballs on a parchment lined sheet tray. Bake until meatballs are cooked through, about 14-16 minutes.
- While your meatballs cook – bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Once water is brought to a boil, drop fresh broccoli into it and let boil for 4-5 minutes. Drain from water and immediately season with a sprinkle of salt.
- Fluff rice with a fork and divide between your two bowls, smoothing out to cover the bottom. Carefully transfer meatballs to rice and plate next to your fresh broccoli. *Drizzle your meatballs (and rice if you prefer) with your firecracker sauce and garnish with scallion greens. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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