Teriyaki Meatballs

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly browned.
  5. 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.
  6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then slowly whisk it into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
  7. Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
  8. 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

Teriyaki Meatballs

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!

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Teriyaki Meatballs

Teriyaki Meatballs

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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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