Description
Get ready for a flavor fiesta with these incredible Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls! These savory, spicy bites are an absolute explosion of Mexican-inspired goodness, perfect for a party appetizer or a fun dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 finely diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium jalapeño, finely minced (seeds and membranes removed)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1–2 chipotles in adobo sauce, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, finely chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Add the Mexican spice blend: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Take about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it firmly into golf-ball-sized spheres. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the donkey balls in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add an extra 1/2 onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 more cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, add the minced chipotles in adobo sauce and 1-2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon agave nectar, and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Gently return the browned donkey balls to the sauce, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: For more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or jalapeño. For a milder version, omit the cayenne and use less chipotle. You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate.