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Sweet Chili Meatballs

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Sweet Chili Meatballs with Stir-Fry Veggies is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. This Asian-inspired dish features fully cooked meatballs glazed in a tangy-sweet chili sauce that's balanced with fresh ginger, coconut aminos, and rice vinegar. Colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and crisp snap peas add texture, nutrition, and visual appeal. The entire meal comes together in just 20 minutes - 10 for prep and 10 for cooking. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it's a complete dinner that satisfies both protein and vegetable needs in one delicious dish.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:06:39 GMT
A bowl of food with meatballs and rice. Pin it
A bowl of food with meatballs and rice. | lastminrecipes.com

Ginger Sweet Chili Meatballs nestle beautifully among colorful stir-fried vegetables, all glazed with an irresistible sauce that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This dish brings together the comforting appeal of tender, juicy meatballs with the bright, fresh crunch of bell peppers and snap peas. It's a meal that feels both familiar and exciting – satisfying that craving for something that's comforting but with a unique twist that keeps your taste buds interested from first bite to last.

Last month I served this at an impromptu dinner with friends who dropped by. Even my neighbor who typically avoids 'Asian-inspired' dishes couldn't stop commenting on how perfectly the sauce balanced sweet and savory elements. I've found the key is getting that sauce to reduce just enough to coat everything with a glossy finish without becoming too thick.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Meatballs: Homemade are best (and my recipe creates enough for two meals), but good-quality frozen ones work in a pinch. Look for ones with minimal fillers and a neutral seasoning profile that can work in both Italian and Asian dishes.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: The backbone of our glaze. Mae Ploy and Trader Joe's versions both offer excellent flavor without being overly sweet.
  • Fresh Ginger: Accept no substitutes here! Pre-grated or powdered ginger can't match the bright, zingy punch that freshly grated ginger brings to this dish.
  • Snap Peas: Select bright green pods that snap crisply when bent. Those dull, flexible ones will turn mushy in your stir-fry.
A bowl of meatballs with peppers and onions. Pin it
A bowl of meatballs with peppers and onions. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Rice
Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Cook using a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio, letting it steam after cooking for 10 minutes to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Cut bell peppers and onions into bite-sized chunks, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking. Slice green onions diagonally for garnish.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Heat oil in a wok until shimmering, then add vegetables. Let them sear for 30-45 seconds before tossing to develop a slightly charred, crisp-tender texture.
Step 4: Add Meatballs and Ginger
Add pre-cooked meatballs and grated ginger, tossing everything together for 60 seconds until aromatic.
Step 5: Create the Sweet Chili Glaze
Pour in sweet chili sauce, coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce), and rice vinegar. Stir and allow to reduce for 5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Plate meatballs and vegetables over jasmine rice, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 7: Adjust Spice Level
Taste before serving. Add sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.

My journey with this recipe began when I was looking for clever ways to stretch my grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. I discovered that making a double batch of basic meatballs gave me the foundation for two completely different meals, and this sweet chili version quickly became our family's favorite of the two.

What began as a practical solution to stretch my grocery budget has become one of our most requested meals. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for company yet easy enough for a Tuesday night. The sweet-savory balance of the sauce, the vibrant colors of the vegetables, and the comforting presence of those tender meatballs create a dish that nourishes both body and spirit – proof that thoughtful cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be wonderful.

A bowl of meatballs with peppers and onions. Pin it
A bowl of meatballs with peppers and onions. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade meatballs instead of pre-cooked ones?
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs, just make sure they're fully cooked before adding them to the stir-fry.
→ What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
Feel free to use any stir-fry friendly vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or baby corn depending on what you have available.
→ Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or microwave. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, so add a splash of water when reheating.
→ What can I serve instead of rice with these Sweet Chili Meatballs?
These meatballs also pair well with noodles, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a lower-carb option.

Easy Sweet Chili Meatballs

These Sweet Chili Meatballs combine tender meatballs, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce for a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Quick Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Stir-Fry

01 1 tablespoon avocado oil
02 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch dice
03 1 small sweet onion, cut into 1-inch dice
04 8 oz snap peas, sliced in half
05 24 fully cooked meatballs
06 2-inch knob ginger, freshly grated (about 2 tablespoons)

→ For the Sauce

07 1 cup sweet chili sauce
08 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
09 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 Sliced green onions
12 Cooked jasmine rice
13 Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion and snap peas and stir-fry until crisp tender, about 3 minutes. The vegetables should still have some bite to them.

Step 02

Add the meatballs and freshly grated ginger to the vegetables. Toss everything together until the ginger becomes fragrant, about 60 seconds. The aroma will tell you when it's ready.

Step 03

Pour in the sweet chili sauce, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the meatballs are evenly coated with sauce.

Step 04

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the stir-fry bubble gently for about 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken and develop a glossy coating around the meatballs and vegetables.

Step 05

Spoon the meatball stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  1. This quick 20-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying without much effort.
  2. Using pre-cooked meatballs is the secret to getting this meal on the table quickly. You can use store-bought frozen meatballs or leftover homemade ones.
  3. The sauce thickens as it cooks, creating a delicious glaze that coats both the meatballs and vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Grater for ginger
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rice cooker or pot for rice (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (if using soy sauce instead of coconut aminos)
  • May contain gluten depending on meatball ingredients
  • May contain sesame (garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 409
  • Total Fat: 21.7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21.7 g
  • Protein: 30 g