Irresistible Thai Chili Meatball Sliders: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe with Zesty Peanut Slaw
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors with these Thai Chili Meatball Sliders, perfectly complemented by a creamy, easy-to-make peanut slaw. This recipe brings together sticky-sweet, wonderfully fragrant meatballs simmered in a rich Thai chili sauce, all nestled in soft, fluffy buns. The addition of a vibrant, Asian-inspired coleslaw dressed with a peanut butter sauce elevates these sliders from a simple snack to an unforgettable meal. It’s a harmonious collision of diverse culinary traditions, surprisingly simple to prepare, especially when utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker. This post is proudly sponsored.
The Undeniable Appeal of Cooked Perfect Meatballs
A delightful sequence of events unfolded shortly after I shared my recipe for Barbecue Meatball Waffle Sliders. An exciting opportunity arose to collaborate with Cooked Perfect Meatballs, a brand I already held in high regard. In fact, the mouth-watering meatballs featured in the photos of that very BBQ slider post were indeed Cooked Perfect. Whether you call it a fortunate coincidence or a cosmic alignment, it’s clear that great minds (and taste buds) think alike!
My admiration for Cooked Perfect Meatballs runs deep. My journey with them began several years ago when I first incorporated them into my Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, and it was love at first bite. What sets them apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and a unique flame-broiled cooking process, which masterfully locks in the natural juices and robust flavors. Every time, they deliver an authentic and satisfying taste experience. Beyond their exceptional flavor, they offer an impressive variety of options, making them a versatile staple in any kitchen. So, when you see meatballs on my site, it’s a safe bet they are Cooked Perfect Meatballs – unless, of course, I’ve decided to make a batch from scratch, which happens occasionally, but certainly not as often!
Celebrating National Meatball Day (and Everyday Convenience!)
The timing of this collaboration was particularly apt, as National Meatball Day was fast approaching on Thursday, March 9th. This presented the perfect opportunity to encourage everyone to gather with friends and family and celebrate with delicious Cooked Perfect Meatballs. Beyond special occasions, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the sheer convenience of frozen meatballs for everyday meals. They’ve become an absolute lifesaver for weeknight dinners for my family. The ability to simply toss them into a flavorful sauce and have a satisfying meal ready in no time is incredibly appealing for busy schedules.
Given the success of my previous mini slider recipes, which were perfect for parties, I decided to stay within that entertaining-friendly realm. However, this time, I wanted to create something equally suited for a party spread but substantial enough to serve as a complete dinner. After all, who can resist a good meatball sub, especially one bursting with unique, exciting flavors?
Crafting the Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Chili Meatballs
This Thai Chili Meatball Sliders with Peanut Slaw recipe stands out for its straightforward approach and foolproof nature. The meatballs themselves are prepared in the slow cooker, which, let’s be honest, often feels like our culinary best friend, especially during colder months or on busy days. The process is wonderfully simple: combine all the sauce ingredients in the crock pot, add the meatballs, and let the slow cooker work its magic. While the meatballs tenderize and absorb the rich, aromatic sauce, you can effortlessly whip up the Asian coleslaw.
Can you picture it? The robust, slow-cooked meatballs infused with a sweet and spicy Thai chili glaze. This dish is a true fusion, reminiscent of the beloved Asian BBQ, but with a distinct Thai chili kick – much like the wings my husband always orders at our favorite local spot. It’s a delightful blend where classic slow-cooked meat meets a fresh, zesty slaw, creating a flavor profile that’s akin to a sophisticated Texas-Asian fusion experience. There’s truly so much deliciousness happening in every bite!
The Essential Peanut Slaw: A Creamy, Crunchy Counterpoint
I’ve previously created a similar slaw, featuring this fantastic peanut butter dressing, to accompany chicken sliders, and it was an absolute hit. Its unique blend of creamy texture and vibrant flavors makes it an ideal companion, especially in a slider format. For these particular meatballs, I chose a Thai chili theme because my husband consistently opts for Thai chili wings whenever we visit our favorite local restaurant. The sweet, spicy, and tangy notes are incredibly addictive. Bringing these two elements together – the fiery Thai chili meatballs and the cooling, rich peanut slaw – results in an utterly fantastic and perfectly balanced flavor combination. The slaw’s crunchy texture and the dressing’s nutty, tangy profile provide a refreshing contrast to the tender, savory meatballs.
Assembling Your Epic Sliders
So there you have it, folks! Thai Chili Meatball Sliders with Peanut Slaw. These incredibly easy Cooked Perfect Meatballs are slowly simmered in a rich, homemade Thai chili sauce until they reach peak deliciousness. They are then generously piled onto small, soft sub rolls, topped with a generous scoop of that amazing peanut slaw. A final garnish of fresh green onions and chopped peanuts adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor, truly taking this slider experience to the next level. This dish is a surefire way to impress guests or delight your family with minimal effort and maximum flavor. YUM.
Thai Chili Meatball Sliders with Peanut Slaw
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Ingredients
For the Thai Chili Meatballs
- 1 cup Thai chili sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup raw turbinado sugar
- 3 Tbs rice vinegar
- 1 Tbs fresh grated ginger
- 1 Tbs toasted sesame oil
- 4 green onions chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz bag Cooked Perfect Turkey Meatballs
- 1 Tbs cornstarch
For the Peanut Slaw
- 2 Tbs peanut butter
- 1 Tbs Chinese spicy mustard
- 1 Tbs toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbs reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp honey
- juice of 1 lime
- 10 oz cabbage coleslaw
- ¼ c chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 green onions chopped (white and light green parts only)
For the sliders
- 6 small sub rolls
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
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Combine all of the Thai Meatball ingredients in a slow cooker EXCEPT the cornstarch. Set heat on low, and let it go 6 to 8 hours. Or 10. Whatever. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 Tablespoon water and add to the sauce. Let the mixture thicken 15-20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, prepare the slaw. Combine all the ingredients for the dressing (everything from peanut butter through the lime juice) in a bowl. Toss in the coleslaw, cilantro, and green onion to coat. Set aside in the fridge to chill for a couple hours and let flavors combine.
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Once everything is awesome, slice the sub rolls. Add a layer of Asian coleslaw, then meatballs. Garnish with green onions and peanuts. Yields: 6 servings.
Your Turn: Share Your Meatball Adventures!
I’d love to hear from you! Do you also rely on easy frozen meatballs for quick and delicious meals? Come on, admit it – there’s no shame in embracing convenience, especially when it tastes this good. Share your favorite meatball tips and tricks in the comments below!