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To make these tasty honey garlic meatballs, gather the following items: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner delight) - ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - ½ teaspoon fine salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying) The sauce is where the magic happens. You’ll need: - ½ cup pure honey - ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cool water (for thickening) If you want to mix things up, try these ideas: - Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Add different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a twist. - Spice it up with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like cilantro. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a big bowl, mix together: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - ½ cup breadcrumbs - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well. This ensures the flavors mix evenly. Once mixed, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Don’t crowd the pan; give them space to brown. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning often. They should be brown all over and cooked inside. Once done, place the meatballs on a plate with paper towels. This helps soak up extra oil. In the same skillet, keep the flavors from the meatballs. Add: - ½ cup honey - ¼ cup soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated ginger Stir this mixture well. Heat it over medium heat until it simmers gently. This is where the magic happens! When the sauce is simmering, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Slowly add this to the sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Now, add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure each meatball gets coated well. Now you have a sweet and savory dish ready to serve! To keep your meatballs moist, you need to mix the ingredients well. Use fresh breadcrumbs, as they hold moisture better. A little fat is also key. You can add extra cheese or even a splash of milk to the mix. This helps lock in moisture during cooking. I recommend frying your meatballs for the best taste. Frying gives them a nice crust. This crust adds flavor and keeps the inside juicy. If you prefer baking, use a high temperature. Bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This method works too but may not give that same rich flavor. To make your dish pop, use a decorative platter. Place the meatballs in a circle. Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over them. For a colorful touch, add sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating. This makes your meal look fun and inviting! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch in your meatballs, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They provide a delightful texture that enhances the overall dish. Chill the Meatballs: After shaping your meatballs, refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart during frying. Adjust the Sauce Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more honey. Conversely, if you like it savory, reduce the honey slightly for a more balanced flavor. Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your meatballs with freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley. This not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground beef in this recipe with other proteins. Ground turkey offers a leaner choice. If you prefer plant-based options, use lentils or chickpeas. For a fun twist, try a mix of quinoa and black beans. These alternatives add great flavor and texture. They also keep the dish light and healthy. To make your meatballs even tastier, add spices and herbs. Consider using fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, while smoked paprika gives a nice depth. You can also mix in dried oregano or thyme for an herby note. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make this dish your own. Honey garlic meatballs pair well with many sides. Serve them over fluffy rice or noodles for a full meal. You can also dish them alongside steamed vegetables for a healthy bite. For a fun appetizer, serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce. Don’t forget to drizzle extra honey garlic sauce on top for an added treat! To store leftover honey garlic meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. For freezing, wrap each meatball in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When reheating your meatballs, I recommend using the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water. Place the meatballs in the skillet, cover it, and steam them for about five minutes. This keeps them moist and warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may dry out. If you choose the microwave, cover the meatballs with a damp paper towel to add some moisture. Cooked honey garlic meatballs last in the fridge for three days. If you freeze them properly, they can last up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use them. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to throw them away. Yes, you can use a slow cooker. First, brown the meatballs in a skillet. This gives them a nice crust. Then, place them in the slow cooker. Mix the honey garlic sauce in a bowl. Pour it over the meatballs. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method makes the meatballs tender and flavorful. You can use maple syrup as a sweet substitute. It will give a nice flavor too. Agave nectar is another good option. If you prefer a less sweet taste, use brown sugar mixed with water. Each option brings a unique twist to the dish. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The center should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear. Yes, this recipe is great for freezing. After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in a skillet or microwave. In this post, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, from meat options to the tasty sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and serving them perfectly. I shared tips to keep your meatballs moist and ideas for flavor twists. Remember, adjusting ingredients can lead to new favorites. Proper storage and reheating keep your meals fresh and tasty. Now, you have all the tools to create this dish with ease. Enjoy your cooking and the great flavors that come with it!

Golden Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 unit egg
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 cup pure honey
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cool water

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.
  • Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Once mixed, shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the meatballs until they are browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes total, and are fully cooked through. Transfer the seared meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels.
  • In the same skillet, without wiping it clean, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • When the sauce reaches a simmer, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring continuously for approximately 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  • Gently return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them carefully in the honey garlic sauce until they are fully coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve the honey garlic meatballs warm as a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, arrange the meatballs on a decorative platter and drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added color and texture. Provide toothpicks for a fun and easy eating experience!
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs