Firecracker meatballs are a bold, flavorful twist on a weeknight classic, bringing a spicy-sweet heat that wakes up your taste buds. Paired with creamy coconut rice and crisp-tender green beans, this meal is both balanced and exciting. The meatballs are made from ground beef mixed with scallions, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat, giving them a deliciously savory depth. What really makes this dish shine, though, is the firecracker sauce—a tangy, creamy, spicy blend that’s both comforting and craveable.

What’s even better is how well all the elements work together: the rich coconut rice soothes the spiciness of the meatballs, while the green beans add freshness and crunch. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or even just upgrading your usual dinner routine. It’s adaptable to different dietary needs, easy to customize, and comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to break out of a dinner rut, this dish offers big flavor and a rewarding, restaurant-style feel from the comfort of your kitchen. Get ready to turn a simple meatball dinner into something unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Balanced Flavors

The dish combines spicy, creamy, tangy, and sweet elements for a meal that hits every taste note.

2. Versatile and Customizable

You can swap out proteins, make it dairy-free or gluten-free, or adjust the heat to your liking.

3. Ideal for Meal Prep

The components reheat well, making this a great option for batch cooking and easy weeknight dinners.

4. Restaurant-Quality at Home

With a flavor-packed sauce and beautifully seasoned meatballs, it tastes gourmet but is easy to make.

5. Nutrient-Packed

Thanks to fresh green beans, healthy fats, and protein-rich meatballs, it’s a balanced meal all in one.

Ingredients

Coconut Rice

Sesame oil
Sesame seeds

Jasmine rice
Full fat coconut milk
Water

Firecracker Meatballs and Green Beans

Panko breadcrumbs
Milk
Ground beef

Scallions
Fresh grated ginger
Garlic

Kosher salt
Crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil

Fresh green beans

Firecracker Sauce

Mayo
Sour cream

Sriracha or buffalo sauce
Coconut aminos or soy sauce
Honey

Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Red chili flakes or Korean chili crunch

Variations

Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork in place of beef.

Vegetarian Option: Try plant-based meat or lentil-based meatballs.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to make it milder or hotter.
Rice Alternatives: Serve over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or even noodles.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free alternatives for mayo and sour cream in the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice

In a saucepan, heat sesame oil and toast the sesame seeds. Add rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit briefly to soften, then add ground beef, half the sliced scallions, grated ginger, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined and shape into meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans

In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Add trimmed green beans and cook until bright green and slightly tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Firecracker Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, sriracha, coconut aminos, honey, and vinegar. Taste and adjust spice with chili flakes or chili crunch.

Step 6: Assemble

Serve the meatballs over coconut rice with green beans on the side. Drizzle generously with firecracker sauce and top with remaining scallions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do not overmix the meatball mixture; this keeps the texture tender.
Toasting the sesame seeds in the rice adds a layer of nutty flavor.

Let the coconut rice rest covered off-heat before fluffing for perfect texture.
Make the sauce ahead of time for even more flavor as it chills.
Use a cookie scoop to ensure even meatball sizing and uniform cooking.

How to Serve

Serve these firecracker meatballs over a warm bed of coconut rice with green beans on the side. Drizzle the sauce over everything or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh scallions or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. You can also tuck the meatballs into lettuce cups or grain bowls for a fun variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs, rice, and green beans in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying. Rewarm coconut rice gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, both are great alternatives. Just make sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than beef.

2. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a medium heat level, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The firecracker sauce tastes even better after chilling for a few hours in the fridge.

4. What can I use instead of coconut aminos?

You can substitute with low sodium soy sauce or tamari if you need a gluten-free option.

5. How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet and that it’s mixed well. Letting the breadcrumbs soak in milk first helps bind the meatballs.

6. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but fresh green beans have a better texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before sautéing.

7. What rice works best besides jasmine?

Basmati or brown rice are good options, but jasmine rice pairs especially well with coconut milk.

8. Is there a way to make this dish lower in carbs?

Swap rice for cauliflower rice and consider using a keto-friendly sweetener instead of honey in the sauce.

9. How long do the meatballs take to cook?

They take about 10–12 minutes total, depending on size. They should be browned on the outside and cooked to 160°F internally.

10. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through. Line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

Conclusion

This Firecracker Meatballs recipe is a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that brings the heat and the comfort. With bold spices, creamy coconut rice, and fresh green beans, it’s a balanced meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting friends or just making an elevated weeknight dinner, these meatballs offer the perfect blend of ease, nutrition, and unforgettable taste. Adjust it to your preferences, prep ahead, and enjoy the fiery goodness.