Description
These Teriyaki Meatballs offer a delicious fusion of savory and sweet flavors with tender ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main dish, they bring an Asian-inspired twist to a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Oil (for baking)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, egg, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and sea salt. Using a mixer with a hook attachment, mix thoroughly until the mixture binds together and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into small meatballs roughly 1.5 teaspoons in size and arrange them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Optional: Freeze the meatballs for 10 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Make the sauce: While the meatballs are baking (and optionally freezing), prepare the teriyaki sauce by whisking together the chicken stock, low sodium soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a measuring jug. Pour the sauce into a skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the dish: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them into the skillet with the hot teriyaki sauce. Gently toss the meatballs to ensure they are fully coated in the sauce. Serve the teriyaki meatballs immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Freezing the meatballs before baking helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
- Using low sodium soy sauce controls the saltiness of the sauce for a balanced flavor.
- The cornstarch acts as a thickener to give the sauce a glossy finish and perfect consistency.
- Sesame seeds add a nice texture and subtle nutty flavor to the meatballs.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
