Description
This Easy Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe offers tender, juicy meatballs coated in a rich, sticky sauce packed with sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family meals, it uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver big-time flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp water
Garnishes (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper, then mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form uniform-sized meatballs about one inch in diameter. This ensures even cooking and a consistent bite every time.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, and brown all sides for about 5 minutes. Browning locks in flavor and gives a lovely crust.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of water. Pour this mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet, stirring gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Simmer and glaze: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs cook through in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and cling beautifully to each meatball.
Notes
- Use a scoop or spoon to keep meatballs the same size for uniform cooking.
- Mix the meat mixture lightly to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use freshly minced garlic for more flavor.
- Simmer meatballs gently in sauce to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg