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Sweet Gochujang Meatballs Appetizer

Sweet Gochujang Meatballs Appetizer – Sweet & Spicy Delight

Sweet Gochujang Meatballs Appetizer combines sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for gatherings and adaptable for various diets.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 24 pieces Frozen Mini Meatballs Can swap for homemade Korean-style meatballs
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives
  • 1/4 cup Water Adjusts sauce thickness
  • 1/4 cup Gochujang Adjust amount for desired spiciness
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup Replace with tomato puree if preferred
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use Tamari for gluten-free option
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly chopped, garlic powder is a suitable substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Optional for extra sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Brown Sugar Use instead of regular sugar for a softer sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Omit for a vegan version
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Optional boost for garlic lovers
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions work well too if preferred
Optional Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Green Onions Sprinkle on top before serving
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Adds texture and nuttiness

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • slow cooker
  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, water, gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and optional ingredients until smooth.
  2. Decide if you'll use the stove, Instant Pot, or slow cooker for cooking.
  3. Add frozen meatballs to the pan with the sauce for stove method; simmer for about 30 minutes.
  4. For Instant Pot, add the frozen meatballs into the sauce; sauté for 15 minutes, then switch to slow cook setting for 2 hours.
  5. For slow cooker, combine meatballs and sauce; cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through.
  6. Check meatballs for doneness; garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
  7. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy with sides like jasmine rice or Asian slaw.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Customize spice levels and ensure sauce thickness to avoid soggy meatballs. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

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