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- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon sesame oil For the meatballs, I love using ground chicken or turkey. Both are lean and cook well. Breadcrumbs help bind the mix and give it a nice texture. Chopped green onions add freshness, while minced garlic and ginger bring great flavor. The egg helps hold everything together. The soy sauce gives a salty taste, and black pepper adds a hint of spice. Lastly, sesame oil gives a rich, nutty flavor that really rounds out the dish. - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) For the teriyaki sauce, I use soy sauce for the base. Honey adds sweetness and balance. Rice vinegar gives a bit of tang, and minced garlic enhances the flavor. The cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the sauce. Once it's done, I like to sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. - Additional green onions - Sesame seeds For garnishes, I often add more green onions. They add color and a nice pop of taste. A few extra sesame seeds can make the dish look even better. These small touches make a big difference in how your dish looks and tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. You need: - 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Mix until everything is well blended. Use your hands for the best results. Don’t overmix; this keeps meatballs tender. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for even cooking. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space between them. This helps them cook evenly and get golden brown. While the meatballs bake, make your sauce. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced Stir this mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. For thickening, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Add this to the saucepan. Stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove it from the heat when done. Once the meatballs are ready, place them in a serving dish. Pour the thick sauce over them and toss gently to coat. Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Teriyaki Meatballs! How to prevent dry meatballs: To keep your meatballs moist, don’t overmix the meat. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. This helps keep the meatballs tender. Adding the egg and breadcrumbs also helps lock in moisture. Importance of breadcrumb type: Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. Fresh breadcrumbs absorb moisture better, while panko makes them crispier. Choose what you like best for your meal. Adjusting thickness of the sauce: If your sauce is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with water. Stir this into the sauce while it simmers. This will help it thicken nicely. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more soy sauce. Flavor balancing tips: Taste your sauce as it cooks. If it’s too salty, add more honey or rice vinegar. This will balance the flavors and enhance the dish's taste. Best side dishes to pair with meatballs: Serve these meatballs with steamed rice or noodles. You can also add some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. A fresh salad works well too. Creative serving ideas: Try serving meatballs in lettuce wraps or on skewers for a fun twist. You can also use them in a sub sandwich with extra sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried versions. Always opt for fresh when possible. Don't Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Experiment with Protein: Feel free to substitute ground chicken with ground beef, pork, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor profile. Adjust Sauce Sweetness: The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce can be adjusted by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste preferences. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground chicken for other meats. Turkey works well if you want a leaner option. Ground beef is also tasty and adds more flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian choice, try using plant-based meat. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to keep it flavorful. You can change up the teriyaki sauce easily. Try adding spices like red pepper flakes for heat. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet flavor. Experiment with different vinegars, too, like apple cider vinegar or balsamic for a unique twist. Baking is easy, but you can cook the meatballs in other ways. If you prefer, sauté them in a pan on the stove. This gives them a nice crust. Grilling is another fun option. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the teriyaki sauce. Choose the method that suits your taste and time. To store leftovers, place meatballs in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first to keep them fresh. You can also store the honey garlic teriyaki sauce separately. This helps maintain the meatballs' texture and flavor. For long-term storage, you can freeze meatballs and sauce. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you are ready to eat. This keeps them safe and tasty. Reheat meatballs gently to keep them juicy. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or sauce, cover, and warm on low. This will keep the flavor and texture just right. Yes, you can use beef or pork instead of chicken. Ground turkey works well too. Each meat brings a different flavor and texture. Beef adds richness, while pork gives a nice balance of sweet and savory. Just remember, the cooking time might change slightly based on the meat you choose. These meatballs stay fresh for about four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them safe. Make sure they cool down before putting them away. If they smell off or look different, it’s best to toss them out. Yes! You can make the meatballs a day in advance. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep them warm and tasty! You learned how to make tasty Honey Garlic Teriyaki Meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips for perfect texture. You now know how to store leftovers, explore protein alternatives, and make variations. These meatballs are easy to customize and fun to share. Enjoy cooking them for family or friends, and get creative with flavors and serving ideas. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken and a sweet and savory honey garlic teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over them, gently tossing to coat.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, meatballs, teriyaki