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Firecracker Meatballs served with Coconut Rice on a plate

Firecracker Meatballs with Coconut Rice

A perfect fusion of savory meatballs and creamy coconut rice, this dish offers a balance of heat and sweetness, making it a family favorite in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey Your choice of meat; turkey is a leaner alternative.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs; use gluten-free if needed.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds depth of flavor; can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder; for a vegan substitute, opt for a flax egg.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Brings aromatic richness; feel free to use garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 tsp salt Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Enhances flavors; swap with crushed red pepper for more heat.
  • 1/2 cup firecracker sauce Store-bought or homemade; try to make it from scratch for more control over spice levels.
For the Rice
  • 1 cup rice Base for the meal; can swap for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk Creamy flavor enhancer; unsweetened almond milk can be used for a low-fat option.
  • 1/2 cup water Adjust the quantity if your rice demands a different cook time.
  • 1 tsp salt (for rice) A must for flavor.
For Garnishing
  • to taste chopped green onions or cilantro Fresh herbiness; use parsley or arugula instead if you prefer.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
Cooking the Meatballs
  1. In a large skillet, cook meatballs over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Pour firecracker sauce over the meatballs and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
  1. In a separate pot, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
Serving
  1. Serve meatballs over coconut rice, and garnish with green onions or cilantro.

Notes

Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to help retain moisture. Top with extra sauce for a presentation worthy of any dinner table! Customize your rice by adding sautéed vegetables or nuts for extra texture.