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- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For the meatballs, I love to use ground beef or turkey. Both work great. You need breadcrumbs to give them structure and Parmesan cheese for a nice flavor. Eggs bind everything together. Don't forget the garlic; it adds a wonderful taste. Onion powder, salt, and black pepper finish off the meatball mix. - 1 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening) - Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional) Now, let’s talk about the glaze. You need honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, and rice vinegar for a hint of tang. Sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. The cornstarch thickens the glaze, giving it a nice, sticky texture. For an extra touch, I like to sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top. They add color and crunch. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the meatballs evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs can get tough. 1. Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter. 2. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space to cook. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Check that they are cooked through and browned. 1. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce on the stovetop. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2. Heat over medium heat until it starts to bubble. This should take just a few minutes. 3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, which is made by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Continue to cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. 4. Remove from heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot honey garlic glaze over them. 5. Gently toss until the meatballs are well-coated with the glaze. Your honey garlic glazed meatballs are now ready to serve! They are warm, sticky, and full of flavor. To make the best meatballs, mix gently. Overmixing can make them tough. I like to use my hands for mixing. It helps to feel the texture. Shape the meatballs to about one inch. This size cooks evenly. Use a light touch when rolling them. For baking, always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Check for a nice brown color. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Adjust the glaze to fit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. To make it saltier, add more soy sauce. If you prefer ground turkey, it works great too. It gives a lighter flavor. Ground beef has more fat. This makes it richer and juicier. Pair your meatballs with rice or noodles. They soak up the glaze well. Steamed veggies also make a good side. For a special touch, serve on a platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch. For a fun twist, try skewering the meatballs for parties. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure they remain tender. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey or add a splash of lime juice for balance. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the ground meat for variety. Ground turkey works great too. It’s leaner, making it a healthy choice. For gluten-free needs, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. Almond flour or crushed rice crackers are good choices. If you want a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan cheese. The meatballs will still taste great! Want to kick up the heat? Add chili paste or crushed red pepper to the glaze. A little goes a long way! You can also try different herbs. Fresh basil or cilantro adds a nice twist. For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika. If you love garlic, increase the minced garlic for a stronger taste. You can cook these meatballs on the stovetop too. Just brown them in a pan, then add the glaze. For slow cooking, place the meatballs in a slow cooker with the glaze. Let them cook on low for about 4 hours. If you're grilling, shape the meatballs on skewers. This adds a fun twist and makes them easy to flip. Just make sure the meatballs are firm enough to hold their shape. To keep your honey garlic meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. They will last about 3 to 4 days. Always let the meatballs cool before sealing. This step helps prevent moisture build-up. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. When it’s time to eat, reheating needs to be done right. For microwave reheating, place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps them moist. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish. Cover with foil to stop them from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep their flavor and texture intact. To make honey garlic glaze, follow these easy steps: 1. In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. 2. Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. 3. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir and watch for bubbles. 4. For thickening, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. 5. Stir this mix into the saucepan. Cook for another minute until it thickens. This glaze adds a sweet and savory punch to your meatballs. Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs in advance. Here are some tips: - Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Let them cool completely. - Store the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer bag. - For a quick meal, thaw and reheat the meatballs before adding the glaze. Meal prepping makes your week easier and more delicious! Honey garlic glazed meatballs pair well with several sides: - Serve with steamed rice for a filling meal. - Add a fresh salad for crunch and balance. - Roasted veggies make a great side, too. - Noodles can soak up the glaze nicely. These options make your meal colorful and tasty! This blog covers how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We explored the main ingredients, including ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and the sweet honey garlic glaze. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, shaping, and baking, along with tips to perfect your meatballs. We also discussed variations for flavor and cooking methods. Finally, I shared storage tips for leftovers and reheating methods. With these insights, you can create tasty dishes that please everyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making meal prep easier!

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
  • to taste Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat until slightly bubbling.
  • Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot honey garlic glaze over them. Gently toss until the meatballs are well-coated with the glaze.
  • Serve the honey garlic glazed meatballs warm, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs