Teriyaki Meatballs

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this easy Teriyaki Meatballs recipe is calling your name. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs coated in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce make for a standout meal that’s great for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver a dish bursting with Asian-inspired goodness that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes using easy-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile dish: Perfect as a main, appetizer, or even tossed with noodles or rice.
• Balanced flavors: Combines sweet, salty, and umami in every bite.
• Kid-friendly: Mild enough to appeal to kids but tasty for adults too.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepares well in advance, ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is built around simple, staple ingredients that each add something special to the final dish—from texture to vibrant flavor or perfect seasoning balance.

• Ground meat: Choose ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey for juicy meatballs with great texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder to keep meatballs tender and moist.
• Egg: Another binder adding structure and richness.
• Green onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that bring depth and a hint of spice.
• Soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory backbone of the teriyaki sauce and meatballs.
• Brown sugar or honey: Brings sweetness and a beautiful caramelization to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar or mirin: Adds acidity, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Sesame oil: A few drops infuse that unmistakable nutty aroma and authentic flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy finish.

Variations for Teriyaki Meatballs

Feel free to experiment with this Teriyaki Meatballs recipe to suit your taste buds, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. It’s incredibly flexible and welcomes tasty tweaks.

• Veggie-packed: Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to sneak in extra nutrients and moisture.
• Spicy kick: Mix in chili flakes or sriracha to add a little heat to your sauce.
• Gluten-free: Swap traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• Alternative proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try plant-based meat substitutes.
• Asian fusion: Stir in chopped cilantro or a splash of lime juice to brighten flavors.

How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Combine your ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a large bowl. Season generously with a splash of soy sauce to infuse base flavor throughout the meat. Mix until just combined to avoid dense meatballs.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, then cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar or mirin, minced garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch mixed with water. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Coat Meatballs in Sauce

Transfer cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss to thoroughly coat with the sweet, sticky teriyaki glaze. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the teriyaki meatballs with your favorite sides or garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flair and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Meatballs

• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender, not tough.
• Uniform size: Make meatballs the same size to cook evenly.
• Brown well: Getting a good sear adds flavor and texture to the meatballs.
• Thicken sauce properly: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to sauce to avoid lumps.
• Let them rest: Allow meatballs to cool slightly before tossing in sauce for better coating.

How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions elevate the dish, adding a subtle crunch and fresh brightness that perfectly complement the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, alongside sautéed or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a balanced, vibrant plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, stack the meatballs on skewers for party-friendly kabobs or pile them atop a bed of noodles tossed in a little sesame oil and soy sauce for a hearty bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so stir gently before reheating.

Freezing

Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating in sauce.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out, or microwave covered in short bursts for best results.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Using store-bought makes this recipe even quicker, just heat and toss the meatballs right in, though homemade gives you control over sweetness and flavor depth.

What’s the best meat to use for these meatballs?

Ground beef or pork works beautifully for juicy, flavorful meatballs, but ground chicken or turkey delivers a leaner, lighter option without sacrificing taste.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Using breadcrumbs and egg as binders helps hold the meat together, and mixing gently without overworking the meat is key to secure, tender meatballs.

Can I make these Teriyaki Meatballs vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground plant-based meat alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms, adding extra binder if needed, and follow the same cooking and saucing steps.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Cooked teriyaki meatballs freeze well and reheat easily, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.

Final Thoughts

There you have it — a straightforward, delicious Teriyaki Meatballs recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Packed with bold, mouthwatering flavor and so easy to customize, these meatballs make every meal feel special without the fuss. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

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