Teriyaki Meatballs

Introduction

Teriyaki Meatballs are juicy, flavorful bites of seasoned meat glazed in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. These meatballs are the perfect combination of tender meat and a sticky, umami-packed glaze that will have you reaching for seconds. They’re easy to prepare and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with rice or vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a delicious homemade meal, these meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. The smell of the sauce simmering filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to try them. The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is—you can stick to the classic recipe or get creative by adding a little heat with chili flakes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.

These meatballs come together quickly, making them a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a batch of golden-brown meatballs coated in a luscious teriyaki glaze that will leave everyone asking for more!

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Quick weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Family gatherings
• Fans of Asian-inspired flavors

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Meatballs

Here’s why Teriyaki Meatballs will become a new favorite in your recipe collection:

• Juicy and Tender: The meatballs are moist and flavorful, thanks to a combination of seasonings and breadcrumbs.
• Sweet and Savory Glaze: The homemade teriyaki sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
• Versatile: These meatballs can be served in multiple ways—on their own, over rice, or with stir-fried vegetables.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze them for a quick meal on busy days.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Teriyaki Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup water

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Teriyaki Meatballs:

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Scoop the mixture using a spoon or cookie scoop and roll into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

5. Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine and Serve:

7. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan and toss them in the teriyaki sauce until they’re well coated.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve warm.

How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs

Teriyaki Meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the meatballs over steamed rice for a complete meal.
• With Noodles: Pair them with stir-fried noodles for a comforting dish.
• As an Appetizer: Serve them on toothpicks for a party-friendly finger food.
• With Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, carrots, or bok choy for a healthy and balanced meal.
• In a Sandwich: Make a teriyaki meatball sub with hoagie rolls and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Lettuce Wraps – Use butter lettuce leaves as wraps and add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a light, fresh option.
• Slider Buns – Turn the meatballs into sliders by placing them in mini buns with a slaw of shredded cabbage, red onion, and spicy mayo.
• Teriyaki Pizza – Top a pizza crust with a thin layer of teriyaki sauce, mozzarella, and sliced meatballs, then bake and finish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Additional Tips for Teriyaki Meatballs

Here are some tips to make your Teriyaki Meatballs even better:

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor of both the meatballs and the sauce.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey.
• Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, use ground turkey instead of beef.

Recipe Variations for Teriyaki Meatballs

Here are 10 variations you can try for Teriyaki Meatballs:

1. Spicy Teriyaki Meatballs: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Teriyaki Meatballs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
4. Turkey Teriyaki Meatballs: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
5. Hoisin-Glazed Meatballs: Add hoisin sauce to the teriyaki glaze for a deeper, richer flavor.
6. Teriyaki Meatball Sliders: Serve the meatballs in slider buns with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of coleslaw.
7. Coconut Teriyaki Meatballs: Add coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical twist.
8. Korean-Style Meatballs: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a spicy, umami-packed flavor.
9. Vegetarian Teriyaki Meatballs: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
10. Teriyaki Meatball Bowl: Serve the meatballs with rice, roasted vegetables, and a fried egg for a satisfying meal.

Freezing and Storage for Teriyaki Meatballs

• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet with some teriyaki sauce.
• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Teriyaki Meatballs

Here are some items that will make preparing your Teriyaki Meatballs easier:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining the meatball ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups – To ensure precise measurements.
• Small Cookie Scoop – For portioning the meatballs evenly.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper – For baking the meatballs without sticking.
• Non-Stick Skillet – Essential for searing and glazing the meatballs in teriyaki sauce.
• Wire Rack – Allows air circulation when baking meatballs, ensuring even cooking.
• Saucepan – For cooking the homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Microplane Zester – For grating ginger and garlic finely.
• Tongs – For turning the meatballs while cooking.
• Instant-Read Thermometer – To check the meatballs’ internal temperature (aim for 165°F or 74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions for Teriyaki Meatballs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version of these meatballs.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before using.
3. How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?
   Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
5. Can I freeze the meatballs?
   Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs and reheat them when needed.

Print

Conclusion

Teriyaki Meatballs are a delightful combination of tender, juicy meat and a sweet-savory glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Coated in a rich, sticky teriyaki sauce, they’re a versatile dish perfect for any meal. Serve them over rice, with noodles, or as an appetizer at your next gathering—no matter the occasion, they’ll be a guaranteed hit!

This easy recipe is a go-to for both quick weeknight dinners and special events. You can customize the meatball mix with your favorite seasonings or even add veggies for extra texture and flavor.

Can’t wait to see how your Teriyaki Meatballs turn out! Share a photo, post it on social media, and tag me—I’m excited to check out your delicious creation! Enjoy every bite!