Honey Garlic Meatballs: Sticky Sweet and Savory Bites
By Sophia Reed
Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy ground meat and a luscious honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are easy to make and sure to impress. The stickiness of the sauce adds an enjoyable texture that elevates every bite. Serve them over rice or noodles, or simply enjoy as is.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses common pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep or freezing
- Can be served with various sides
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- •0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- •0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- •0.25 cup milk
- •1 large egg
- •3 cloves garlic (minced)
- •2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)
- •1 tsp salt
- •0.5 tsp black pepper
- •0.5 tsp onion powder (optional)
- •0.5 cup honey
- •4 cloves garlic (minced)
- •0.25 cup soy sauce
- •2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- •1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- •1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- •1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
- •0 chopped green onions (for garnish)
- •0 parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- 2
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
- 3
Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- 4
Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
- 5
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
- 6
Carefully add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- 7
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- 8
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 9
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- 10
Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
- 11
Stir in the cornstarch slurry into the sauce.
- 12
Cook and stir for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 13
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat.
- 14
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the meatballs through.
- 15
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.
- 16
Serve warm over rice or noodles.
