Honey Garlic Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce) - Sesame seeds for garnish To make honey garlic meatballs, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Ground beef or turkey is the main protein. You can choose what you like best. Breadcrumbs add texture, while onion and garlic give great flavor. The egg holds everything together. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Salt and black pepper enhance the taste. Honey is the star of the sauce, providing sweetness. Soy sauce or tamari brings umami. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it sticky and delicious. Finally, sesame seeds give a nice crunch on top. These ingredients work together to create a dish that is loved by many. Each bite is a mix of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. When you gather these items, you are ready to make a meal that everyone will enjoy. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything well. Make sure all the ingredients are blended together. This step is key for tasty meatballs. Next, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. You can use your hands for this. Keep them uniform for even cooking. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Now, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs brown nicely. Once the oven is hot, place your baking sheet inside. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown. Check them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The smell will be amazing as they bake. While the meatballs are baking, it’s time for the sauce. In a saucepan, add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Heat it over medium heat and stir to mix. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Now, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Whisk it into the sauce. This will help thicken it. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 more minutes. It should become thick and glossy. Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Move them to the saucepan and toss them gently in the sauce. This makes every meatball deliciously sticky. Serve them warm, and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh herbs and spices boost the taste of your meatballs. I love using fresh parsley and garlic. They add bright flavors that dried herbs can't match. When seasoning, start with a light hand. You can always add more salt and pepper later. Taste the mixture before forming meatballs to ensure it’s perfect. Choosing the right meat is important. Ground beef gives a rich flavor, while turkey is lean and lighter. Think about what you prefer. For texture, breadcrumbs help keep meatballs from being too dense. If your mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it feels dry, a bit of milk or broth can help. Garnishing adds a nice touch. I like to sprinkle sesame seeds on top. They give a nice crunch and look great on the plate. Fresh parsley also brightens the dish. Pair the meatballs with rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks. Everyone loves finger foods! {{image_2}} You can change up the main meat in these meatballs. Ground chicken works great. It is lighter but still tasty. You can also try meat substitutes. They are a good option for veggie lovers. Customizing with herbs adds a nice touch. You can use basil, oregano, or thyme. These herbs bring fresh flavors to the dish. Mix them into the meatball mixture for a unique taste. Want some heat? Add sriracha to the honey garlic sauce. It will give your dish a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also switch sweeteners. Instead of honey, try maple syrup or agave. Each sweetener has its own flavor. This gives you different tastes in your meatballs. Meatballs are great on their own, but you can make them a meal. Try meatball subs. Just place the meatballs in a bun with sauce and cheese. Skewers make for fun appetizers. Thread the meatballs onto sticks. You can grill or bake them for a tasty bite-sized snack. To keep your honey garlic meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This will help retain their flavor and moisture. If you notice any off smells, it's best to toss them out. You can freeze cooked meatballs for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat the meatballs, the oven or stovetop works best. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. If using the stovetop, add a bit of sauce to a pan. Heat the meatballs over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the meatballs tough. Honey garlic meatballs can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep them safe, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the meatballs cool down before sealing them. If they are still warm, moisture can build up and spoil the meatballs faster. Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and cook them. Let them cool, and then place them in a container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or on the stove with some sauce for best results. Honey garlic meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Noodles - Salad - Veggies like broccoli or green beans You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks. Enjoy finding the best combo for your meal! You learned how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs using fresh ingredients. Mixing the right meats, seasonings, and sauces creates amazing flavors. You now have tips for better texture and serving ideas. Remember, you can also customize proteins and sauces to suit your taste. These meatballs are great for parties or quick meals. Enjoy the process and impress others with your new skills in the kitchen!$

Savor the irresistible flavors of Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table! This easy recipe combines tender meatballs with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce for a delightful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinner or gathering with friends, these meatballs are quick to prepare and full of flavor. Click through to explore the recipe and treat your taste buds to something special today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce)

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix it with your hands until everything is well incorporated.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.

Bring the sauce to a slight simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Once the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.

Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with sesame seeds and extra parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4