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- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying) For the meatballs, you can choose either ground beef or ground turkey. Beef gives a rich flavor, while turkey is lighter and leaner. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of flavor and creaminess. You’ll also need garlic for a bold taste. The egg helps bind everything together. Soy sauce adds umami, while salt and pepper season the mix perfectly. - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) The honey garlic sauce is what makes these meatballs shine. The honey gives sweetness, while soy sauce brings saltiness. Garlic adds depth, and ginger gives a warm spice. To thicken the sauce, you’ll mix cornstarch with water. This creates a nice glaze that clings to the meatballs, making them even more delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. Place 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, include 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Now, mix all these ingredients well. Use your hands to ensure everything combines evenly. Once mixed, shape the meat into small balls, about 1 inch wide. This step is crucial for even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches. Avoid crowding the pan; this helps them brown evenly. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally to get a nice golden color. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate. In the same skillet, it’s time to make the sauce. Combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it simmers, add a thickening agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the sauce. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, it’s time to coat the meatballs. Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure they are well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Serve these honey garlic meatballs warm. For a fun touch, arrange them on a platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Toothpicks make for easy eating! To achieve perfectly browned meatballs, heat your olive oil well before adding them. This helps create a nice crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you add too many at once, they will steam instead of brown. Cook them in batches for the best results. To ensure your meatballs are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 160°F for beef or turkey. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The center should not be pink. Cooking time is usually about 6-7 minutes in the skillet. For a beautiful look, garnish your meatballs with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. This adds color and a fresh taste. Drizzle some extra honey garlic sauce on top for a glossy finish. Serving with toothpicks makes it easy for guests to enjoy these meatballs. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear! This simple touch makes your dish more inviting and fun. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in your sauce. Uniform Meatballs: Ensure your meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking; use a cookie scoop for precision. Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor absorption. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick! {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. These lean meats work well. They keep the meatballs moist while reducing fat. If you want a plant-based option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Blend them into a smooth paste. Add breadcrumbs and spices for flavor. This way, you get a tasty, meat-free delight! Want some kick? Add chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce. Start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more heat. For extra sweetness, mix in brown sugar. It gives the sauce a nice depth. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference. Both options add fun twists to your dish! Pair these meatballs with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies. They soak up all the sauce, making every bite delicious. You can also create meatball subs. Just place the meatballs in a bun and drizzle with sauce. For a fun snack, make sliders. Small sandwiches are great for parties! To keep your honey garlic meatballs fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container. They stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Always let them cool down first. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Use a baking sheet to arrange them in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps them juicy. - Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. - Creative Uses: Leftover meatballs are great in many dishes. You can add them to pasta, stir-fries, or even sandwiches. Try them in a meatball sub with melted cheese for a tasty twist! Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just cover them tightly. When you're ready to cook, you can bake or fry them. This saves time on busy days. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. You can also use almond flour for a low-carb option. Each substitute will give a different texture but will still hold the meatballs together well. Honey garlic meatballs can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a substitute. Make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Cooked meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. If you don’t have one, cut a meatball in half. The inside should be no longer pink and juices should run clear. Yes, you can use a different sauce if you like. Try barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor or a spicy sauce for some heat. You can even mix honey with mustard for a tangy twist. Feel free to experiment with flavors you love! This blog post covered how to make honey garlic meatballs from start to finish. We explored main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, these meatballs are tasty, easy to make, and fun to serve. Try these tips to impress friends and family. Enjoy making this dish, and get ready to savor real flavor!

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.
  • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides (about 6-7 minutes total) until cooked through. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, gently tossing them in the honey garlic sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Serve the honey garlic meatballs warm.

Notes

Arrange the meatballs on a platter and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating!
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs