Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, mix together the apricot preserves, whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer and thicken.
- Once the meatballs are done, brush them generously with the apricot whiskey glaze. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the glaze to become sticky and caramelized.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving these Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs is where the fun really begins. You can plate them as is for a hearty appetizer, or pair them with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete dinner. They also shine as a party snack, perfect for toothpicks and served alongside a dipping sauce. Don’t forget to set out some fresh herbs for added flavor and flair!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your delicious meatballs, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze them—simply ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. Always reheat them until they’re steaming hot to ensure food safety.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet: Leave space between meatballs to ensure even baking and caramelization.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your glaze less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with a sugar substitute.
- Meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach 160°F (70°C) for safety.
Creative twists
Looking to shake things up? Try adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves—such as peach or mango—if you’re feeling adventurous. The glaze can be spiced up with a dash of sriracha for some heat, or use a sugar-free soy sauce for a healthier option.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare the meatballs?
Preparation is quick! It typically takes about 15-20 minutes to mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs before they go in the oven.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for a leaner version of these meatballs, just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs
These Apricot Whiskey-Glazed Meatballs offer a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp whiskey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (Adjust sweetness as desired.)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze by mixing apricot preserves, whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring, until it simmers and thickens.
- Brush the cooked meatballs with the glaze and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the glaze is sticky.
Serving
- Serve meatballs hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Let meatballs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They last 3-4 days in the fridge or can be frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat until steaming hot.
