Mini Spicy Pork Meatballs with Chili Oil Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp-topped pork meatballs infused with chili oil and served with a vibrant herb salad for a quick, flavorful bite. This asian-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground pork, chili oil, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground pork, 2 tbsp chili oil, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 24 small meatballs (about 1 inch each) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 15 minutes until golden and cooked through, then brush with 1 tbsp olive oil and return to oven for 5 minutes to crisp.
  4. Step 4: While meatballs cook, chop 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté in 1 tsp olive oil for 3 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Toss mixed greens with 2 tbsp chili oil, 1/4 cup chopped basil, and the sautéed pepper mixture; serve meatballs atop salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mini Spicy Pork Meatballs with Chili Oil Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mini Spicy Pork Meatballs with Chili Oil Drizzle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Spicy Pork Meatballs with Chili Oil Drizzle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mini Spicy Pork Meatballs with Chili Oil Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mini Spicy Pork Meatballs with Chili Oil Drizzle?

Asian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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