Why Make This Recipe
Teriyaki meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them perfect for dinner or a party. The combination of tender meatballs with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is sure to please everyone. Plus, they are versatile and can be served in many ways!
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. Mix just until combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Transfer baked meatballs to a skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over them.
- Toss gently and simmer until fully coated and glossy.
How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs
You can serve teriyaki meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer on their own or with toothpicks for easy serving. Top with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor.
How to Store Teriyaki Meatballs
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
- If you want more flavor, let the meat mixture sit for a few minutes before forming the meatballs.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your taste.
Variation
You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Another variation is to serve the meatballs with different sauces, like a sweet chili sauce or a spicy sriracha glaze.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make teriyaki meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and the sauce in advance. Just bake the meatballs and store them in the fridge. Warm them up with the sauce before serving.
Q2: What should I serve with teriyaki meatballs?
Teriyaki meatballs go well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve them with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Q3: How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can also cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink in the middle.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. Mix just until combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Transfer baked meatballs to a skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over them.
- Toss gently and simmer until fully coated and glossy.