Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Garlic Meatballs are a flavorful fusion of sweet and savory, combining juicy meatballs with a sticky honey garlic sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a main dish served over rice or noodles, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and bursting with taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef or turkeybread crumbsminced garliceggssoy saucehoneyketchuponion powdersalt and pepperolive oilgreen onions (optional for garnish)sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked and browned.
While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and additional garlic in a saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
Toss the cooked meatballs in the honey garlic sauce until well coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 18-20 minutes
Sauce and finishing time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
Use ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sub roll for a hearty sandwich.
Mix in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
storage/reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat.
You can freeze cooked meatballs with or without sauce for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then reheat and toss in sauce before serving.
Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?
Yes, just heat them according to package instructions and coat with the homemade sauce.
Is there a substitute for ketchup?
You can use tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and sugar as a substitute.
Can I bake and freeze the meatballs?
Yes, freeze them after baking and reheat when ready to use.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced from a jar?
Absolutely, fresh garlic adds great flavor.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, they store and reheat well, making them great for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to whip up and sure to satisfy. Whether served as an appetizer or the star of your meal, their sweet-savory flavor and tender texture make them a favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious Honey Garlic Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky sweet and savory honey garlic sauce—perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground pork (or beef/pork mix)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 tbsp chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cloves garlic (for sauce), minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare sauce: sauté garlic in olive oil, then add water, honey, soy sauce, five-spice, and pepper. Simmer and thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, thyme, cumin, onions, ginger, and garlic.
- Form mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in a skillet until golden.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and cover with prepared sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked and sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use wet hands to shape meatballs easily.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Adjust sauce sweetness by altering honey-to-soy ratio.
- Try with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use tamari and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.