Sweet and Spicy Apricot Glaze for Meatballs and Dipping Sauce

This Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze balances the sweetness of apricot preserves with the heat of Sriracha. It’s ideal for tossing with baked meatballs as an appetizer, or serving as a main over rice with steamed vegetables. It also makes a delicious dip for chicken strips, fries, or crispy tofu.

The sauce comes together in about five minutes and uses just five simple ingredients.

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze

Quick and easy — follow these steps:

• Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk to combine.
• Set the stove to medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Cook for about 3 minutes, whisking occasionally until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat. For an extra-smooth texture, blend briefly with an immersion blender if your preserves contain chunks.
• Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

• To make the glaze milder, reduce the Sriracha by half.
• Blending is optional; use it when your apricot preserves include large fruit pieces and you prefer a uniform sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This glaze pairs beautifully with baked meatballs: pour it over the meatballs, toss to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced chives. Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice with steamed vegetables for a full meal.

Vegan option: The glaze itself is vegan. Toss it with crispy baked tofu and serve with rice and veggies for a plant-based main.

Enjoy!

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Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze

A quick glaze combining apricot preserves, Sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, and onion powder. Use it for meatballs, tofu, or as a dipping sauce.

4.80 from 20 votes

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Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
3 minutes

Total Time:
8 minutes

Equipment

• Immersion Hand Blender (optional)

Ingredients

• ½ cup Apricot jam or preserves
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk to blend.
2. Place over medium-low heat and gently bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer for about 3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until glossy and slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat. If desired, blend briefly with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
5. Serve warm with meatballs, tofu, or as a dipping sauce.

Notes

Serving idea: Pour over meatballs, toss to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced chives. Serve with toothpicks or over rice and steamed vegetables.

Vegan option: Use the glaze with crispy baked tofu for a plant-based entree.

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: vegan option, sauces, easy, quick

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This Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze is featured in the “The Best Baked Meatballs” video.

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