These Teriyaki Meatballs are a delicious combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. They make a perfect appetizer, meal prep option, or main dish served over rice or noodles. Easy to make and packed with umami flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Can be served as an appetizer or main dish
- Kid-friendly and customizable with different proteins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or ground turkey
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Green onions, chopped
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Shape the meatballs: Form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then slowly whisk it into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein options: Use ground chicken, pork, or a plant-based substitute instead of beef or turkey.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs.
- Extra veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or carrots into the meatball mixture.
- Air fryer method: Cook the meatballs in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs separately from the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder, such as breadcrumbs and egg, and mix the ingredients well before shaping the meatballs.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce provides fresher flavors and allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness.
What can I serve with teriyaki meatballs?
They pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the meatballs a day in advance before cooking.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative and still gives the meatballs a great texture.
How do I make them spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but thaw them before tossing in the teriyaki sauce for better flavor absorption.
How do I prevent the meatballs from being dry?
Avoid overcooking and use ground meat with a bit of fat for juicier results.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure you have enough space on the baking sheet to avoid overcrowding.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Meatballs are a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With their juicy texture and rich teriyaki glaze, they make a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you bake or air fry them, these meatballs are easy to make, customizable, and great for meal prep. Give them a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade take on this classic dish!
PrintTeriyaki Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Description
These Teriyaki Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for an appetizer, meal prep, or served over rice for a quick and easy dinner. The combination of tender meatballs and the sweet-savory glaze makes this a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In the same pan, add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce to thicken (about 1-2 minutes).
-
Coat the Meatballs:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the pan and toss them in the teriyaki sauce. Let them simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Notes
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For extra flavor, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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