Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where we are about to transform humble ground beef into a delectable party favorite – Marinated Appetizer Meatballs. These tiny treasures are perfect for gatherings, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Let’s dive into this simple yet enticing recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Marinated Appetizer Meatballs 🍖🎉
Description
This is a great and simple party recipe. I usually undercook them a little and then put them in a crockpot or a fondue pot for the party, where they finish cooking.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Recipe Category
- Meat
Keywords
- Oven
- < 4 Hours
Ingredients 🛒
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to create approximately 30 marinated appetizer meatballs:
- 1/4 cup milk 🥛
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 🧅
- 1 pound ground beef 🥩
- 1/2 cup water 💧
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce 🥢
- 1 tablespoon sugar 🍬
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder 🧄
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger 🌿
- 1/4 cup water 💧
- 1/4 cup soy sauce 🥢
Nutritional Information (per meatball)
- Calories: 25.4 kcal
- Fat Content: 1.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 5.4 mg
- Sodium Content: 76.3 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 0.8 g
- Fiber Content: 0 g
- Sugar Content: 0.3 g
- Protein Content: 1.7 g
Instructions 📋
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your marinated appetizer meatballs:
-
Mix Initial Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion, and 1 pound ground beef. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This will ensure that the meatballs are moist and flavorful. -
Shape Meatballs:
Once the mixture is well combined, start shaping the meat into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Aim to make approximately 30 meatballs. This size is perfect for appetizers, allowing guests to easily pick them up with toothpicks or forks. -
Prepare Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a shallow baking pan and place the meatballs in it, ensuring they are evenly spaced. This will help them cook uniformly. -
Prepare Marinade:
In a separate bowl, blend together 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons ground ginger. Stir until the sugar and spices are fully dissolved, creating a rich, aromatic marinade. -
Marinate Meatballs:
Pour the prepared marinade over the meatballs in the baking pan. Gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are all well coated with the marinade. Let the meatballs stand for 1 hour, stirring them twice during this period. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making each bite deliciously savory. -
Bake the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs have marinated, place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. If you prefer, you can undercook them slightly and finish cooking them in a crockpot or fondue pot during the party. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with some fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and watch them disappear as your guests enjoy these flavorful bites!
Tips and Tricks 🧑🍳
-
Quality of Meat:
Using high-quality ground beef will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs. Opt for a blend that is not too lean to ensure the meatballs remain juicy. -
Even Cooking:
Make sure to shape the meatballs into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some from being overcooked while others are undercooked. -
Enhance the Marinade:
Feel free to experiment with the marinade. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce can add a different dimension of flavor. -
Alternative Cooking Methods:
These meatballs can also be cooked on the stovetop. Simply simmer them in the marinade on low heat until cooked through, turning occasionally. -
Party Perfect:
If preparing for a party, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Thaw before marinating and baking. This can save you a lot of time on the day of the event.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These marinated appetizer meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various dipping sauces such as:
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For a tangy and spicy kick.
- Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky and sweet flavor.
- Honey Mustard: For a creamy and zesty touch.
Additionally, you can serve these meatballs alongside a platter of fresh veggies or a simple side salad to add some crunch and color to your spread.
Conclusion
Marinated Appetizer Meatballs are a fantastic addition to any party or gathering. Their succulent texture and rich flavor, thanks to the aromatic marinade, make them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal affair, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the process of making these delightful bites, and savor the compliments that are sure to follow. Happy cooking! 🎉🍽️🍖
