1. Make the Meatball Mixture

Start by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef-pork blend), breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until it is evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Once the ingredients are combined, use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 30 meatballs from this recipe, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.

2. Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure that the meatballs don’t stick. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow them to cook evenly.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. You can check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; they should reach 160°F (71°C). Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the sweet chili sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil (if using), grated ginger (if using), and lime juice. Stir the mixture together over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Once the sauce is done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

4. Coat the Meatballs with the Sauce

Once the meatballs are baked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to coat them in the sweet chili sauce. In a large bowl, gently toss the meatballs with the sweet chili sauce until they are evenly coated. If you prefer, you can pour the sauce directly over the meatballs in the baking dish and toss them there.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Sweet Chili Cocktail Meatballs warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal. You can place them on a serving platter, and they’re ready to be enjoyed by your guests.