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Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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