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- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 large egg - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce The main ingredients give these meatballs their tasty base. The ground meat is the star. You can choose beef, chicken, or turkey based on your taste and health goals. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan cheese brings a rich flavor. Garlic and onion powder enhance the taste. The egg helps bind the meatballs together. Lastly, salt and pepper make everything pop. - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish The optional ingredients can take your meatballs to the next level. Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. Rice vinegar gives a nice tang. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that blends well with honey. For garnish, sesame seeds and green onions not only look good but add a crunch and a mild onion flavor. - Mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Saucepan for sauce preparation You will need a few simple tools to make this recipe. A mixing bowl is essential for combining the meat and other ingredients. A baking sheet is necessary for cooking the meatballs evenly. Finally, a saucepan is needed to prepare that sticky, delicious sauce. These tools make the process easy and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. - Mix everything until it is well blended and forms a cohesive mixture. - Scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are brown and fully cooked. - While the meatballs bake, prepare the sticky sauce in a small saucepan. - Combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar in the saucepan. - Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and then add the cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. - Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. - Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. - Drizzle the thick sauce over the meatballs, tossing gently to coat them well. - Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. - Enjoy these sticky honey garlic meatballs right away! To ensure even baking, space the meatballs apart on the baking sheet. This helps hot air circulate around each meatball, leading to a nice, even cook. You can check if the meatballs are done by cutting one in half. The inside should no longer be pink, and juices should run clear. For the best results, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. You can easily adjust the sweetness of the sauce. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you prefer a less sweet taste, reduce the honey amount. Don’t be shy about adding spices! You can mix in some chili flakes, ginger, or even a pinch of black pepper to create your own flavor twist. Serve the meatballs on a large platter for a stunning display. You can also place them over rice or noodles to make a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and parsley for a more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of your meatballs. Customize Your Meat: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version that still delivers on flavor. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash of lime juice for a tangy kick. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them uncooked. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you're ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat for your sticky honey garlic meatballs. Using ground chicken or turkey gives you a lighter option. Both will still absorb that tasty sauce well. If you prefer a vegetarian choice, try plant-based substitutes like lentils or chickpeas. They can mimic the texture and soak up the sauce just like meat. The sauce is where you can really get creative. You can try using maple syrup instead of honey for a unique sweetness. This can add a bit of depth to the flavor. If you like heat, consider adding chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy honey garlic sauce. This will kick up the flavor and make it more exciting. When it comes to serving, the options are endless. Pair your meatballs with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve them as appetizers at your next gathering. Just place them on toothpicks and let guests enjoy them as finger food. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh. I suggest using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use a microwave or oven. Heat until hot all the way through. In the fridge, the meatballs last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or texture. If you smell any off odors, it's best to toss them out. You can use several things instead of breadcrumbs. Here are some great options: - Ground oats - Crushed crackers - Cooked rice - Mashed potatoes - Ground nuts These options work well to bind the meatballs and keep them moist. Just remember to adjust the amounts as needed. For example, use less if you pick a drier option like ground oats. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Here’s how: - Prepare the meatballs and place them on a tray. - Freeze them for a couple of hours until firm. - Transfer to a bag or container and store in the freezer. To reheat, bake them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time. You can also cook them fully and store them in the fridge. They will last for about three days. To know if the meatballs are done, check their internal temperature. They should reach 160°F (70°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey. The meatballs should also be firm and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Yes, sticky honey garlic meatballs can be gluten-free. Here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. - Choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. - Ensure the other sauces are gluten-free. These changes will help keep the dish safe for those avoiding gluten while still being tasty! This blog post covered everything you need for sticky honey garlic meatballs. We discussed essential ingredients and optional items to enhance flavor. I provided easy steps to prepare, cook, and serve these tasty meatballs. You also found useful tips for storage and variations, plus answers to common questions. Get creative with your ingredients and enjoy this fun dish. Please share this recipe, and make it your own! You won't regret it. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sticky Honey Garlic 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 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • for garnish sesame seeds and green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended.
  • Using your hands, scoop and roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sticky sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture, and continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
  • When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the sticky sauce over them, tossing gently to ensure they're well-coated.
  • Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving dish, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and appeal.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks for easy eating, or over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, drizzling extra sauce on top for an attractive finish.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs