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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) The main ingredients create a tasty base for the meatballs. Ground beef or turkey gives nice flavor and texture. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add a bit of crunch and richness. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic and ginger bring great aroma and taste. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to boost the flavor. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a kick. - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water The sauce is where the magic happens. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives a savory punch. Apple cider vinegar balances the flavors with a bit of tang. The cornstarch-water mix thickens the sauce, making it sticky and rich. This sauce coats the meatballs perfectly and makes them extra delicious. - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) You can customize your meatballs with optional ingredients. Red pepper flakes add more spice if you like it hot. Green onions and sesame seeds make great garnishes. They add color and a fresh taste to your dish. These small touches make your meal look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the meatballs cook evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the meatballs from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Crack in 1 egg, and add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Mix everything well until it forms a nice, even mixture. Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them on the lined baking sheet, giving them some space. Bake these meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and slightly browned. While your meatballs bake, it's time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Heat it over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Once it simmers, stir in the cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. When the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them. For a beautiful finish, garnish with finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your sticky honey garlic meatballs! For the best meatballs, size matters. Aim for uniform meatballs, about 1 inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. To get the right texture, bake them for 15-20 minutes. Check for a nice brown color and ensure they are cooked through. If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce while it simmers. This will help create a nice, thick coating for your meatballs. To boost flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a splash of lime juice. For a beautiful presentation, serve the meatballs in a large bowl. Drizzle the sauce over them for a shiny look. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra color. You can also serve them over rice or with toothpicks for easy eating. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Avoid dried versions for the best taste. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the honey amount or substitute with a sugar-free alternative. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the meatballs immediately after tossing in the sauce. They can become soggy if left too long. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in your meatballs. Ground chicken or pork works great. These options give a lighter taste. They also soak up the sauce well. If you want a leaner meal, turkey is a good choice. Each meat brings its own flavor to the dish. Want a kick? Add some chili sauce or sriracha to the honey. Mix in a bit of lime juice for a tangy twist. You can also try hoisin sauce for a sweet and savory mix. For garnish, think beyond green onions. Chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts add a nice crunch. Serve these meatballs over rice for a filling meal. They also taste great on noodles. If you want to impress guests, use toothpicks as appetizers. Pair them with a side salad for a fresh touch. Whatever you choose, they will surely delight your taste buds. Store leftover sticky honey garlic meatballs in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing. This will help prevent moisture buildup. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them later. To freeze meatballs, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to use them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For the best texture, reheat meatballs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps them crispy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time! You have many great options to serve with sticky honey garlic meatballs. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Noodles tossed in soy sauce - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad - Toasted bread for dipping These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs. Yes, you can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. Here’s how: - Make the meatballs: Prepare the meatballs as per the recipe. - Cool them: Allow the meatballs to cool completely. - Store them: Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for later. Just thaw and reheat before serving. To make your sauce stand out, follow these tips: - Use high-quality honey for a richer taste. - Consider adding a splash of lime juice for brightness. - Let the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavors. - Adjust the soy sauce based on your salt preference. These steps will help you create a sauce that enhances the meatballs perfectly. To sum it up, you can make tasty sticky honey garlic meatballs using easy steps. Start with ground beef or turkey, then mix in breadcrumbs, garlic, and ginger. Bake them and cook a simple sauce with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Don’t forget the optional spices and garnishes for extra flair. With smart tips on cooking and storage, you can enjoy this dish any time. Experiment with different meats and sauces to keep it fun. Happy cooking!

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course/Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 each egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce)
  • 2 each green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
  • Form the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat. Stir until the honey has dissolved.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large serving bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve the sticky honey garlic meatballs over rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer for a party.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs