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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying) These main ingredients form the base of your meatballs. You can choose ground beef for a richer taste or turkey for a lighter meal. Breadcrumbs help bind everything, while onion and garlic add flavor. The egg acts as a binder too. The soy sauce gives umami, and black pepper adds a hint of heat. - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (for glaze) - 1 teaspoon minced ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Chopped green onions (for garnish) The glaze is where the magic happens. Honey brings sweetness, while soy sauce adds saltiness. Ginger gives a nice zing to the sauce. Once you coat the meatballs, sprinkle them with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and crunch. This simple glaze elevates the dish and makes it shine on your table. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Then, chop and add 1/4 cup of onion, along with 2 minced garlic cloves. Crack in 1 egg and pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients well. It is key to combine them fully. This ensures every meatball has the same flavor. If you don’t mix enough, some bites may taste bland. Now, it’s time to cook. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. While the oil heats, form the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure to turn them often. This helps them brown evenly on all sides. When they are browned and cooked through, they are ready for the glaze. While the meatballs cook, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Heat this mixture over low heat. Stir it occasionally. Look for the glaze to start simmering. This process helps the flavors mix well. Simmer until the glaze thickens slightly. Once the meatballs finish cooking, pour the glaze over them in the skillet. Toss them gently to coat. Let them cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the glaze stick well to each meatball. To cook meatballs well, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes. Turn them to brown all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. This way, you can be sure they are cooked through. For more flavor, you can change the seasoning. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Each meat brings a different taste. If you like, add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These changes can make the dish your own. Presentation is key to a great meal. Serve the meatballs on a nice platter. Drizzle extra honey garlic glaze over them. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This gives a colorful look. Pair your meatballs with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. They add color and balance to your plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your glaze, making it more aromatic and delicious. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly and cook through without steaming. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to suit your taste; less honey will create a less sweet but more savory sauce. Perfect Pairings: These meatballs pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in a wrap for a delicious meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your meatballs. Ground chicken works great if you want a lighter dish. It has a mild flavor that absorbs the honey garlic glaze well. You can also try plant-based meat. These options are tasty and offer a good texture. They are perfect for those who prefer less red meat. If you want to make these meatballs healthier, consider using less honey or soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce can help cut down on salt. You can also reduce the amount of honey for less sweetness. This keeps the flavor while making a lighter meal. Every small change can help you enjoy a guilt-free treat. Add some zing to your meatballs by mixing in spices. A dash of sriracha can bring heat and excitement. You might also try garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite sauces too. This can lead to new and exciting flavor profiles. Enjoy the fun of creating your unique version! To keep your honey garlic glazed meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. This protects them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between the meatballs to avoid sticking. In the fridge, they last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool them before storing. This helps maintain their taste and texture. Freezing meatballs is simple and great for meal prep. First, let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents them from sticking together. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours until firm. Next, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date for easy tracking. When you are ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Cover the skillet to keep them moist. Heat until warmed through. This method keeps their flavor and texture delicious. It takes about 6 to 8 minutes to cook meatballs in the skillet. You want them to be brown on all sides and cooked through. Cooking time may vary with meat size and heat level. Always check the center to ensure it's no longer pink. Yes, you can use different meats like ground turkey or chicken. These meats have milder flavors, which let the honey garlic glaze shine. Pork also works well if you want a richer taste. Each meat type changes the flavor and texture of the meatballs. You can serve them with jasmine rice for a classic pairing. Stir-fried vegetables add color and crunch. A fresh salad can balance the sweetness of the glaze. You could also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy snacking. This blog post gave you a complete guide to making honey garlic meatballs. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor and storage. Impress your family with perfectly cooked meatballs! Feel free to make variations that fit your taste. Remember, cooking is fun and all about experimenting. Enjoy every bite and share your delicious results!

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit egg
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 unit Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  • Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Carefully place them in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the honey garlic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, and minced ginger. Heat over low heat until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the honey garlic glaze over them in the skillet. Toss gently to coat the meatballs in the glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to thicken slightly.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.

Notes

Serve on a platter with extra glaze and garnish for a beautiful presentation.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs