Teriyaki Meatballs

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Introduction

Teriyaki Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy meatballs coated in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. This dish combines the rich umami of the sauce with the savory goodness of the meatballs, creating a comforting and irresistible meal. With a simple mix of ingredients and a quick cooking time, these meatballs make for an excellent appetizer, main dish, or addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or at a party, Teriyaki Meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. The aroma of the sweet and savory sauce filling the kitchen had everyone eager to try them. What’s great about Teriyaki Meatballs is how versatile they are—you can serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking or pair them with rice or veggies for a complete meal. The sweet, sticky glaze of the teriyaki sauce is what truly sets these meatballs apart, and you can even drizzle extra sauce over the top for added flavor.

These meatballs are simple to make, too. With just a few basic ingredients for both the meatballs and the sauce, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or serving them at a special event, Teriyaki Meatballs are sure to impress and satisfy your guests!

Perfect for:

  • Dinner parties
  • Game day snacks
  • Family dinners
  • Asian-inspired meals
  • Appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Teriyaki Meatballs are destined to become a favorite:

  • Rich Teriyaki Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
  • Juicy, Tender Meatballs: These meatballs are soft and tender, absorbing all the flavor of the sauce while remaining perfectly juicy.
  • Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic, accessible ingredients that come together quickly for a delicious meal.
  • Versatile: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, in a bowl with rice, or as a side dish.
  • No Alcohol or Pork: A family-friendly recipe without the need for any alcohol or pork products, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Teriyaki Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish (optional):

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef or Chicken: Ground meat forms the base for juicy meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and provide a tender texture.
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Offers rich umami flavor without too much salt.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
  • Ginger and Garlic: Provide aromatic, spicy notes that enhance the flavor profile.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sauce for a perfect balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Teriyaki Meatballs:

Prepare the Meatballs:

  1. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, green onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil (optional). Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them as needed, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through (about 10 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, ginger, garlic powder, and sesame oil (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
  3. Coat the Meatballs: Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into the meatballs and thicken further.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve the Meatballs: Once coated in the thickened sauce, remove the meatballs from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve

  • With Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
  • As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
  • On Noodles: Pair the meatballs with noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish.
  • With Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried vegetables for a wholesome and balanced meal.
  • In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap the meatballs in lettuce leaves and drizzle with sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Make the Sauce Ahead: You can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Use Ground Turkey for a Leaner Option: Substitute ground turkey for a lower-fat option while maintaining flavor.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: Adjust honey to your taste for a sweeter or more savory sauce.
  • Add Heat: If you like spicy foods, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Teriyaki Meatballs: Add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
  2. Vegan Teriyaki Meatballs: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan breadcrumbs.
  3. Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.
  4. Baked Teriyaki Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes before adding the sauce.
  5. Garlic Teriyaki Meatballs: Add more fresh garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
  6. Honey Mustard Teriyaki Meatballs: Replace honey with a combination of honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy variation.
  7. Sesame Teriyaki Meatballs: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
  8. Crispy Teriyaki Meatballs: Pan-fry the meatballs to get a crispy exterior before adding the sauce.
  9. Zucchini Teriyaki Meatballs: Add grated zucchini to the meatball mixture for extra moisture and texture.
  10. Vegetarian Teriyaki Meatballs: Use mashed chickpeas or lentils in place of meat for a veggie-packed alternative.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw and heat in the sauce when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with the sauce.

Special Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet for meatballs (optional)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use beef instead of chicken? Yes, beef works wonderfully for these meatballs.
  2. Can I make these ahead? Yes, the meatballs can be cooked and stored in the sauce for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Yes, but homemade teriyaki sauce adds a more personal touch and flavor.
  4. Can I make these spicy? Yes, add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
  5. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying? Absolutely, bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Meatballs are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors in a bite-sized treat. With their juicy, tender texture and flavorful glaze, they’re a versatile dish that works for any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer, over rice, or in lettuce wraps for a fun and delicious meal everyone will love.

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or as party food, these Teriyaki Meatballs are sure to impress with their irresistible taste.

I’d love to see how your Teriyaki Meatballs turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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