These honey garlic meatballs are super tasty and easy to make! They have a sweet and sticky glaze that makes them irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish!
They’re a big hit at parties, and you can whip them up in no time. I love serving them with rice or just munching on them as a snack. Who can resist a good meatball, right? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground meat: I usually use a mix of beef and pork for flavor and tenderness, but ground turkey or chicken works too! For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas with a binding agent like breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
Parmesan cheese: While optional, Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Honey: The star of the sauce! If you need a vegan option, maple syrup is a fantastic substitute, providing similar sweetness.
Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a savory touch. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Or, for a lighter taste, coconut aminos can work as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Meatballs to Stay Juicy?
Getting juicy meatballs is all about mixing and cooking them properly. Here’s how:
- Mix ingredients gently in a bowl until just combined. Over-mixing can make them tough.
- Choose the right cooking method: baking or pan-frying. Each gives a different texture, so choose what you prefer!
- If baking, arrange them with space in between on the baking sheet; this helps them cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooking can dry them out, so take them off the heat when they’re just done.
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs or parsley (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying, if pan-frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You will spend about 15 minutes to prep the meatballs and another 15 minutes to cook and prepare the sauce. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if using), milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Mix gently until just combined – be careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
You can either bake or pan-fry the meatballs:
- To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a rack. Place the meatballs on the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and whisk it slowly until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 1-2 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to adjust the consistency.
6. Add Heat (Optional):
If you enjoy a little spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. Coat the Meatballs:
Toss the cooked meatballs gently in the honey garlic sauce until they are well coated in that delicious glaze.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot as an appetizer, or with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious main course!
Enjoy your honey garlic meatballs! They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner meatball. Just make sure to avoid overcooking them, as they can dry out more easily than beef.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked meatballs! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Sauce?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup works well and provides a similar sweetness. For a sugar-free option, consider using agave nectar or a sugar-free sweetener of your choice!
