Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These sticky honey garlic meatballs are a deliciously sweet and savory treat perfect for any meal. Tender meatballs coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze make for an irresistible dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
• Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then form into 1-inch meatballs, about 20–24 total.
2. Step 2: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Return the meatballs to the pan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs evenly.
5. Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture in the meatballs.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through to keep the sauce sticky and glossy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. Just brown and cook them in the sauce when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be good substitutes in the sauce.

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

These sticky honey garlic meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring tender meatballs glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or parties, they combine the richness of ground beef with the perfect balance of garlic, soy, and honey for a crowd-pleasing treat.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Mix & Roll: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making about 20 to 24 pieces.
2. Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and brown them on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a nice crust. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauce It: Using the same skillet, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Whisk the mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Glaze & Finish: Return the meatballs to the skillet. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the sauce. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meatballs, giving them a glossy, sticky glaze.
5. Serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish alongside rice or noodles.

Notes

• Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a lighter version.
• For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce.
• Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking.
• These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the sauce for convenience.
• Adjust honey quantity for a sweeter or less sweet glaze according to taste.

Keywords: sticky honey garlic meatballs, honey garlic sauce, ground beef meatballs, easy meatballs recipe, Asian meatballs, sweet and savory meatballs