Description
Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, party appetizers, or anytime comfort food craving hits. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it offers quick preparation and versatile serving options, delivering a flavorful and kid-friendly meal that can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
For Cooking and Garnish
- 2–3 tbsp oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, evenly sized balls about one inch in diameter for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a separate pan, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer gently, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Transfer cooked meatballs into the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly and let them simmer together for a few minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
- Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding honey gradually.
- Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying (alternative baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes)
- Cuisine: Asian fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg