Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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