Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 egg, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste To make the meatballs, you need ground beef or turkey. I like both, but beef has a richer flavor. Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty taste. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic give depth. Fresh parsley brightens the flavor. The beaten egg binds everything. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season. - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) For the honey garlic sauce, honey brings sweetness. Low sodium soy sauce adds saltiness. Minced garlic gives that lovely garlic taste. Apple cider vinegar adds tang. If you like, you can use grated ginger for warmth. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the sauce. This mix creates a sticky glaze that makes the meatballs shine. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for perfect meatballs. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. - In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. - Then, crack in 1 beaten egg and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. - Mix all these ingredients until they are well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! - Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. - Place the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet. - Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. - While the meatballs bake, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. - Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (if you like), and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. - Stir and bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. - To thicken the sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy. - Once the meatballs are done baking, take them out of the oven. Transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. - Gently toss the meatballs until they are well coated in the delicious honey garlic sauce. To get the best meatballs, focus on texture. Mix all ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make them tough. I like to use fresh herbs like parsley. You can also add a pinch of oregano or thyme for extra flavor. These herbs blend well with the garlic and honey. Adjusting the sauce is easy. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For a saltier taste, increase the soy sauce. To make it spicy, mix in a bit of red pepper flakes. You can also add minced jalapeños for a fresh kick. These changes can really lift the dish. Presentation matters. Garnish the meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped parsley. This adds color and texture. If you're serving them as appetizers, use toothpicks for easy eating. For a main dish, pair them with rice or noodles. This makes a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley elevate the flavor profile of your meatballs significantly compared to dried versions. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or replace it with a sugar alternative. Meatball Size Matters: For even cooking, ensure your meatballs are uniform in size, ideally about 1 inch in diameter. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat for your meatballs. Ground chicken or pork makes a great choice. Both bring a lighter flavor that pairs well with honey garlic sauce. If you want a vegan or vegetarian option, try plant-based meat. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods work well here. They offer a similar texture and can soak up the sauce just like traditional meat. Want to spice things up? Add some sriracha to your honey garlic sauce. This gives it a sweet and spicy kick that’s hard to resist. You can also try other sauces. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory twist. BBQ sauce gives a smoky flavor that complements the honey. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite blend. How you serve the meatballs can change the meal. You can place them over rice or noodles for a filling dish. This also helps soak up the tasty sauce. Another fun way is to use them in subs or sliders. Just add some cheese and veggies, and you have a perfect party food. The options are endless, making these meatballs a versatile choice for any meal. Once you finish your honey garlic glazed meatballs, let them cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container. This helps you know when to eat them. To save meatballs for later, use the freezer. Place cooked meatballs in a freezer bag. Press out the air before sealing. For the sauce, store it in a separate container. You can freeze both for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. This keeps them juicy and warm. For quick meals, you can prep a big batch. Make extra meatballs and sauce. Freeze them in portions. This way, you have easy meals ready. To batch cook, mix your ingredients and shape your meatballs. Cook them all at once. This saves time on busy days. Cook meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This time works well for both ground beef and turkey. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Yes, you can make meatballs ahead of time! Prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them. Just shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Honey garlic glazed meatballs pair well with many sides. Try serving them with: - Steamed rice or fried rice - Noodles or pasta - Roasted vegetables - A fresh salad - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes These options will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious meatballs with honey garlic sauce. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You can also try different proteins or sauces for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly for later use. Whether for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress. Get cooking and enjoy the tasty results!

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 egg beaten
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, minced garlic, parsley, beaten egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  • Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce is glossy and thick.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss the meatballs until they are well coated with the sauce.
  • Place the glazed meatballs on a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Notes

Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley before serving, and offer toothpicks for easy eating if serving as appetizers.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs