Healthy Firecracker Meatballs (Hello Fresh copycat)

Looking for Healthy Firecracker Meatballs that’s similar to Hello Fresh? Then this firecracker meatball recipe is the one you’ve been looking for. With the same rich and spicy flavor this will soon become one of your favorite meatball recipes. If you want more meatball recipes, try these parmesan meatballs, Asian Turkey meatballs or these Thai chili meatballs.

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I have a thing for meatballs. I absolutely love them! When I recently tried Hello Fresh and chose their Firecracker meatballs as one of the meals, it was love at first bite. That said, when I looked at the nutritional information, I was a slightly taken aback. The original recipe comes in at 780 calories per serving with 44g of fat. When I read that, I knew I could find a way to lighten up this delicious meal while having it still taste amazing. 

HEALTHY FIRECRACKER MEATBALLS

In order to make these spicy meatballs I make just a few substitutions from the original Hello Fresh recipe. 

Lean Ground Turkey – the original recipe uses ground beef as the base of the meatball recipe. For this recipe, we are using lean ground turkey. I prefer to use 93/7 lean ground turkey however if you wanted a bit more fat content, you can use 85/15. 

Greek Yogurt – Hello Fresh uses sour cream as part of the base of their spicy firecracker sauce however, we’re going to lighten it up and add extra protein by using plain greek yogurt instead. 

Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs – while the macro content is similar, whole wheat panko is higher in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients due to the inclusion of the whole wheat grain, which retains the bran and germ. Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs provide more complex carbohydrates and a better nutritional profile.

Light Mayo – Using light mayo reduces the amount of calories and fat in the overall creamy sauce.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR EASY FIRECRACKER MEATBALLS

Outside of the simple swaps I mentioned above, the ingredients list for these are the same as the ones in Hello Fresh. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you may already have on hand. If not, you can easily find them at your local grocery store. 

• Ground Turkey – lean ground turkey of 93% lean 7% fat or 85% lean 15% fat 
• Scallions – Used both the greens and whites for these flavorful meatballs
• Ginger – only a small thumb of ginger is needed
• Low-fat mayo – I chose low fat mayo made with olive oil
• Greek yogurt – plain greek yogurt 
• Honey – your favorite brand will do the trick
• Soy sauce – Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos work really well in this recipe
• Sriracha – If you can’t find sriracha, spicy garlic sauce is another great option
• Panko bread crumbs – whole wheat is used in this recipe however regular panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs will also work as well
• Korean chili flakes – red pepper flakes are a great substitution for this spice

HOW TO MAKE SPICY MEATBALLS WITH SAVORY FIRECRACKER SAUCE

Full recipe directions are at the bottom of the post. 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Trim and thinly slice green onions separating whites from greens. Mince whites and set aside. Peel and mince ginger. 

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, sriracha, honey and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Stir to combine and set aside. This is the spicy sauce for the meatballs.

In a second mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko, scallion whites, ginger and 2 tbs soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Mix ground turkey thoroughly and roll into medium size balls (should make about 10 – 12 meatballs).

Spray a baking sheet with oil or line with parchment paper and place meatballs on baking sheet in a single layer. Coat with a drizzle of oil which can be sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil. Cook meatballs for approx. 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. 

Once done remove from oven and drizzle sauce over the meatballs. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.

Optional would be to top with additional scallions and Korean chili flakes.

HOW TO SERVE 

There are several options on ways to serve these Healthy firecracker meatballs. First they do make a great appetizer and perfect for a game day or gathering. If you want to keep it low carb you can serve with cauliflower rice as the base or serve the small meatballs in lettuce wraps.

Alternatively, you can serve with some jasmine rice and fresh green beans or your favorite vegetable.

STORING MEATBALLS

These meatballs store very well in the fridge for up to 4 days. First allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. If making for meal prep, you can easily portion out the meatballs along with the rice and vegetable in meal prep containers. 

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