These honey garlic meatballs are sweet, sticky, and absolutely tasty! They’re easy to make and perfect for dinner or as a fun snack. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
You might find yourself sneaking a few bites before they even hit the table. Don’t worry, I won’t tell! 🥳 I love serving them with rice or veggies for a yummy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use beef or a mix of beef and pork for flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too! Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs add texture, but you can substitute with crushed crackers or panko for extra crunch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great option if needed!
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, feel free to leave it out or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Honey: If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar makes a good substitute. They will still give you that sweet glaze you’re looking for.
Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. You can also use coconut aminos for a lower sodium option but keep in mind it has a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Moist and Delicious?
Keeping your meatballs moist is all about balance! Make sure not to overmix your meatball mixture as that can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined, and consider adding a little more milk if the mixture feels too dry.
- Use a good mix of fats, like beef and pork, to maintain moisture.
- Keep them in a consistent size to ensure even cooking.
- Baking them instead of frying is a great way to keep them tender and makes cleanup a snap!
Enjoy making these honey garlic meatballs, and feel free to customize to your taste! They’re crowd-pleasers for sure.
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions or fresh herbs (like parsley or chives)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and another 20 minutes to bake in the oven. Overall, you should keep about 30-35 minutes available, including making the sauce and garnishing the meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is mixed together nicely.
3. Form Meatballs:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on your baking sheet so they have plenty of room to cook evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, grab a small saucepan. Add honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to gently simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) and let the sauce cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
7. Coat the Meatballs:
Once your meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce, making sure every meatball is covered in that delicious glaze.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your honey garlic meatballs immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions for that extra touch of flavor!
Enjoy your sweet, sticky honey garlic meatballs! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatball option. Just keep in mind that turkey may cook faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance! Form them and keep them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to the pan to keep them moist.
