These honey garlic meatballs are a tasty treat! They are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce that everyone loves.
Making these is so easy! I just mix the meat, form some balls, and let them simmer in the sauce. Perfect for a fun dinner or even as party snacks. Who can say no to meatballs? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Chicken: You can use ground turkey or pork if you prefer a different flavor. I often mix meats for more depth, like using half beef and half chicken.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work well. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Parmesan Cheese: This ingredient adds a great salty flavor, but you can skip it if you’re vegan. Nutritional yeast is a nice alternative for a cheesy taste without using dairy.
Soy Sauce: For a lower-sodium option, try low-sodium soy sauce. If you need it gluten-free, tamari is a perfect substitute.
Honey: Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan version. The sweetness will still shine through, just slightly different in flavor.
How Can I Bake the Meatballs to Perfection?
Baking meatballs can feel tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked ones every time. Start by preheating your oven fully as this helps them brown nicely.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Don’t overcrowd the meatballs; give them some space to get that nice crust.
- Check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be cooked through with no pink inside.
Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so don’t overdo it in the oven!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Thick and Flavorful Sauce?
Creating the honey garlic sauce is simple, but consistency is key! Start by melting the honey and soy sauce together over medium heat. As it simmers, the flavors blend beautifully.
- Make sure you stir constantly when adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
- If you want a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water, but do it gradually.
- Let the sauce simmer gently until it reaches your desired thickness!
This sauce is not just for meatballs; you can use it with veggies or even as a dipping sauce!
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)
- 2 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend 10 minutes getting the ingredients ready and about 20 minutes baking the meatballs. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the meatballs cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, optional Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix, just blend until ingredients hold together!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easier!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can check if they’re done by cutting one open—no pink should be showing!
5. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, optional sesame oil, and grated ginger. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Stir occasionally to make sure everything blends well!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about a minute or two. Once thickened, remove it from heat.
7. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
As soon as the meatballs are out of the oven, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they’re completely coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Delicious! Serve your honey garlic meatballs over rice or noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef and chicken. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so your meatballs may be a bit drier. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to help keep them moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them! Just place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for a couple of hours, and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try using crushed crackers or rolled oats as a substitute. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether and add an extra egg to help bind the meatballs together.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Honey Garlic Meatballs?
Serve these meatballs over rice, noodles, or even in a sub sandwich! For a lighter option, consider pairing them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
