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- 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame oil To make these meatballs, I use ground chicken. It gives a nice texture and flavor. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together. I add green onions for a fresh taste. The egg helps hold the meatballs firm. Minced garlic adds a strong aroma. Grated ginger gives a hint of spice. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Sesame oil adds a nutty touch. - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1/4 cup water - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Sliced green onions (for garnish) For the teriyaki sauce, I use soy sauce as the base. Honey gives sweetness and richness. Rice vinegar adds a slight tang. Cornstarch thickens the sauce for a glossy finish. Water helps mix everything well. I garnish with sesame seeds for crunch. Sliced green onions add color and flavor on top. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the meatballs evenly and makes them golden brown. 2. Mixing meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and chopped green onions. Add the beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined. 3. Forming meatballs and placing on a baking sheet: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 1. Baking meatballs: Drizzle the meatballs with sesame oil for extra flavor. Bake them in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. You want them to be golden brown and juicy. 2. Preparing teriyaki sauce: While the meatballs bake, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens and simmers. Once thick, remove it from heat. 3. Coating meatballs with sauce: When the meatballs are done, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over them and toss gently to coat each meatball. This adds a sweet and savory glaze that makes them delicious. To make great meatballs, start with proper mixing. Combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently. Don’t overwork the mixture; it can make the meatballs tough. For cooking time, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes. This will give you juicy meatballs. Check them with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. The outside should be golden brown for the best texture. To boost the teriyaki sauce flavor, you can adjust the honey. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of lime juice. You can mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. To make your sauce thicker, use cornstarch as you heat it. Mix it with water first to avoid lumps. Stir it into the sauce until it thickens. This trick helps you achieve that glossy, sticky texture we all love. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor of your meatballs, giving them a more vibrant taste. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey in the teriyaki sauce based on your preference for sweetness. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Experiment with Protein: This recipe works well with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef. Each meat brings its own flavor. Ground turkey is leaner, making it a healthier choice. If you choose beef, you can enjoy a richer taste. Just remember, adjust the cooking time based on the meat you use. For a vegetarian twist, use cooked lentils or black beans. Mash them up and mix with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. This gives you a meatball that is tasty and plant-based. You can also add fresh herbs for extra flavor. To spice up your meatballs, try adding different spices or herbs. Garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the taste. Fresh cilantro or basil can add a fragrant touch. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. You can also experiment with different sauces. Try using hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a sweet flavor. For a tangy twist, you might mix in some pineapple juice. Each sauce can change the taste of your meatballs, making them fun to explore. To keep your sweet teriyaki meatballs fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store them with some sauce to keep them moist. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. You can also freeze the sauce separately. When you want to enjoy your meatballs again, reheating is key: - Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Add a bit of water or sauce to keep them moist. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts until hot. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep them juicy and tasty. Can I make meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make meatballs ahead of time. Just mix the meatball ingredients and shape them. Place the raw meatballs on a baking sheet, then cover them with plastic wrap. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready, bake them straight from the freezer. This saves time on busy days. Where can I buy pre-made sweet teriyaki meatballs? You can find pre-made sweet teriyaki meatballs at most grocery stores. Check the frozen food aisle, as many brands offer them. You can also look in the deli section. These are great for a quick meal, but homemade meatballs taste fresher and are easy to make. What sides pair well with sweet teriyaki meatballs? Sweet teriyaki meatballs go well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Salad with sesame dressing - Noodles tossed in soy sauce These sides balance the sweet flavor and make your meal complete. Feel free to mix and match! In this post, I covered the key steps to make delicious sweet teriyaki meatballs. We discussed the main ingredients and how to perfectly prepare and cook them. I also shared tips for achieving that perfect texture and enhancing the sauce. You can experiment with different meats or flavors to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them so they stay juicy. Enjoy creating your own tasty versions of these meatballs!

Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 unit egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce (for teriyaki sauce)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the meatballs with sesame oil, then bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the teriyaki sauce over them, tossing gently to coat.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, teriyaki