These honey garlic meatballs are sweet and sticky bites of goodness! Made with ground meat and coated in a tasty honey garlic sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Trust me, you’ll want to keep these around for snacks or parties—everyone loves them! I usually serve them with toothpicks for easy munching. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use ground beef, pork, or a mix for these meatballs. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as lean meats may dry out faster.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are perfect, but if you need gluten-free options, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or ground oats. This adds a nice texture while keeping things light.
Parmesan Cheese: While it’s optional, I find that Parmesan adds a delicious savory flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a great substitute that gives a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Honey: If you’re looking for a different flavor, maple syrup can be an excellent alternative to honey, giving a unique twist to the sweetness!
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Cook Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs is simple, but here are a few tips to make it easier. Start with wet hands to prevent sticking. Make them around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium to ensure nice browning without burning.
- Cook them in batches—not more than 8-10 at a time—to avoid steaming. This way, they will brown beautifully.
Remember to turn them gently so they don’t break apart. If you have leftovers, these meatballs reheat well in the sauce!
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
To Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions/scallions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes mixing and cooking the meatballs, and then another 15 minutes making the honey garlic sauce and bringing everything together. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if you’re using it), minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently, being careful to combine without overworking the meat. This helps keep your meatballs tender!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or a baking sheet as you go.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches. Avoid crowding the pan so they can brown nicely. Cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add more minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for a minute.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and mix well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the spoon nicely. If you want a spicy kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Carefully return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss them gently to coat in the honey garlic sauce. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the honey garlic meatballs to a serving bowl. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy warm as a tasty appetizer or serve over rice or noodles for a hearty main dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it can dry out more easily, so be cautious not to overcook them.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just ensure they’re cooled completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you want to reheat.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and either refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook or freeze them. If frozen, thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
