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Honey Garlic Meatballs Savory Flavorful Delight

by on March 31, 2025

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If you’re looking for a fun and tasty meal, honey garlic meatballs are it! These savory bites are packed with flavor and are easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, everyone will love them. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create these mouthwatering meatballs and share tips to make them even better. Let’s dive in!

To make honey garlic meatballs, you need: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Sesame seeds for garnish You can add some fun flavors to your meatballs. Try: - Finely chopped bell peppers - Shredded carrots - Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley These add-ins boost taste and nutrition. Experimenting can lead to great new flavors. If you have no ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken. They will still taste great. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, too. If you're out of honey, maple syrup is a good alternative. Adjust the flavors to match your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Sesame seeds for garnish Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix well but do not overmix. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Arrange them on the baking sheet with some space between each one. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium until it simmers gently. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Serve them on a platter, sprinkling sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top for color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty honey garlic meatballs! To get the best meatball texture, use your hands. Mix the meat with the breadcrumbs and egg gently. Overmixing makes them tough. The mixture should be just combined. If you want a lighter meatball, choose ground turkey. This keeps it moist while reducing fat. The sauce is key to the dish. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. Rice vinegar adds a touch of tang. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if needed. Taste as you go! Using the right tools makes cooking simpler. A mixing bowl helps combine ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking. A small saucepan is perfect for making the sauce. Don't forget a spatula to toss the meatballs in the sauce evenly! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more for extra heat. Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them more tender and flavorful. Experiment with Proteins: Don't hesitate to try different ground meats like chicken or pork for variety, or even a combination for unique flavors. {{image_4}} You can use different proteins for these meatballs. Ground turkey is a great choice for a lighter meal. It keeps the same flavor but cuts down on fat. You can also try ground chicken or pork. Each option brings its own unique taste. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the protein you choose. Want to sneak in some veggies? Adding finely chopped vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try mixing in grated carrots or zucchini. You can also add chopped bell peppers or spinach. These add color and health benefits to your dish. Just make sure to chop them small, so they blend well with the meat. If you like heat, you can adjust the spice level easily. The crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce can be increased for more heat. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick. For a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or skip them entirely. Adjusting spice levels makes this recipe perfect for everyone. After enjoying these honey garlic meatballs, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. This helps keep their texture. When ready to eat, just take them out and heat. You can freeze these meatballs for long-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They last for about three months in the freezer. For best results, freeze them before adding the sauce. This keeps the meatballs firm and tasty. Reheat the meatballs using the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. In the microwave, place them on a plate and cover. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds each, until warm. If using sauce, warm it separately and drizzle over the meatballs before serving. Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors blend well. You can also freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They last for about three months. When you’re ready to cook, bake them from frozen. To know if your meatballs are fully cooked, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The safe temperature for ground beef or turkey is 160°F (70°C). You can also cut one open. The inside should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them as they bake. You can serve honey garlic meatballs with many sides. Here are a few tasty options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Noodles, like soba or udon - Stir-fried vegetables for a fresh crunch - A simple green salad for balance - Lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option These pairings enhance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! You now have a clear view of making honey garlic meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, how to prepare them, and tasty variations. Remember to use the tips for perfect texture and flavor balance. Don’t forget about storing leftovers for later meals. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious meatballs any time. Happy cooking and make these meatballs your own!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey and spicy red pepper flakes creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
  2. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these meatballs are perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
  3. Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, over rice, or in a sandwich, making them suitable for any occasion.
  4. Healthy Option: Using ground turkey makes this dish lighter without sacrificing flavor, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

To make honey garlic meatballs, you need:

– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

– 1 teaspoon soy sauce

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

– Sesame seeds for garnish

Optional Add-ins

You can add some fun flavors to your meatballs. Try:

– Finely chopped bell peppers

– Shredded carrots

– Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley

These add-ins boost taste and nutrition. Experimenting can lead to great new flavors.

Substitutions

If you have no ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken. They will still taste great. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, too. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is a good alternative. Adjust the flavors to match your taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:

– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

– 1 teaspoon soy sauce

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

– Sesame seeds for garnish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.

Baking the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix well but do not overmix. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Arrange them on the baking sheet with some space between each one. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium until it simmers gently. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy.

Coating and Serving the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Serve them on a platter, sprinkling sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top for color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty honey garlic meatballs!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Meatball Texture

To get the best meatball texture, use your hands. Mix the meat with the breadcrumbs and egg gently. Overmixing makes them tough. The mixture should be just combined. If you want a lighter meatball, choose ground turkey. This keeps it moist while reducing fat.

Balancing Flavors in the Sauce

The sauce is key to the dish. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. Rice vinegar adds a touch of tang. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if needed. Taste as you go!

Recommended Tools for Easy Cooking

Using the right tools makes cooking simpler. A mixing bowl helps combine ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking. A small saucepan is perfect for making the sauce. Don’t forget a spatula to toss the meatballs in the sauce evenly!

Pro Tips

  1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  2. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your preference. Start with less if you’re unsure, and add more for extra heat.
  3. Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them more tender and flavorful.
  4. Experiment with Proteins: Don’t hesitate to try different ground meats like chicken or pork for variety, or even a combination for unique flavors.

Variations

Alternative Protein Options

You can use different proteins for these meatballs. Ground turkey is a great choice for a lighter meal. It keeps the same flavor but cuts down on fat. You can also try ground chicken or pork. Each option brings its own unique taste. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the protein you choose.

Adding Vegetables

Want to sneak in some veggies? Adding finely chopped vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try mixing in grated carrots or zucchini. You can also add chopped bell peppers or spinach. These add color and health benefits to your dish. Just make sure to chop them small, so they blend well with the meat.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like heat, you can adjust the spice level easily. The crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce can be increased for more heat. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick. For a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or skip them entirely. Adjusting spice levels makes this recipe perfect for everyone.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

After enjoying these honey garlic meatballs, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. This helps keep their texture. When ready to eat, just take them out and heat.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze these meatballs for long-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They last for about three months in the freezer. For best results, freeze them before adding the sauce. This keeps the meatballs firm and tasty.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the meatballs using the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. In the microwave, place them on a plate and cover. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds each, until warm. If using sauce, warm it separately and drizzle over the meatballs before serving.

FAQs

Can I make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors blend well. You can also freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They last for about three months. When you’re ready to cook, bake them from frozen.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

To know if your meatballs are fully cooked, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The safe temperature for ground beef or turkey is 160°F (70°C). You can also cut one open. The inside should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

What can I serve with honey garlic meatballs?

You can serve honey garlic meatballs with many sides. Here are a few tasty options:

– Steamed rice or jasmine rice

– Noodles, like soba or udon

– Stir-fried vegetables for a fresh crunch

– A simple green salad for balance

– Lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option

These pairings enhance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. Enjoy experimenting with different sides!

You now have a clear view of making honey garlic meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, how to prepare them, and tasty variations. Remember to use the tips for perfect texture and flavor balance. Don’t forget about storing leftovers for later meals. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious meatballs any time. Happy cooking and make these meatballs your ow

To make honey garlic meatballs, you need: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Sesame seeds for garnish You can add some fun flavors to your meatballs. Try: - Finely chopped bell peppers - Shredded carrots - Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley These add-ins boost taste and nutrition. Experimenting can lead to great new flavors. If you have no ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken. They will still taste great. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, too. If you're out of honey, maple syrup is a good alternative. Adjust the flavors to match your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Sesame seeds for garnish Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix well but do not overmix. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Arrange them on the baking sheet with some space between each one. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium until it simmers gently. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Serve them on a platter, sprinkling sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top for color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty honey garlic meatballs! To get the best meatball texture, use your hands. Mix the meat with the breadcrumbs and egg gently. Overmixing makes them tough. The mixture should be just combined. If you want a lighter meatball, choose ground turkey. This keeps it moist while reducing fat. The sauce is key to the dish. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. Rice vinegar adds a touch of tang. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if needed. Taste as you go! Using the right tools makes cooking simpler. A mixing bowl helps combine ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking. A small saucepan is perfect for making the sauce. Don't forget a spatula to toss the meatballs in the sauce evenly! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more for extra heat. Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them more tender and flavorful. Experiment with Proteins: Don't hesitate to try different ground meats like chicken or pork for variety, or even a combination for unique flavors. {{image_4}} You can use different proteins for these meatballs. Ground turkey is a great choice for a lighter meal. It keeps the same flavor but cuts down on fat. You can also try ground chicken or pork. Each option brings its own unique taste. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the protein you choose. Want to sneak in some veggies? Adding finely chopped vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try mixing in grated carrots or zucchini. You can also add chopped bell peppers or spinach. These add color and health benefits to your dish. Just make sure to chop them small, so they blend well with the meat. If you like heat, you can adjust the spice level easily. The crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce can be increased for more heat. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick. For a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or skip them entirely. Adjusting spice levels makes this recipe perfect for everyone. After enjoying these honey garlic meatballs, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. This helps keep their texture. When ready to eat, just take them out and heat. You can freeze these meatballs for long-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They last for about three months in the freezer. For best results, freeze them before adding the sauce. This keeps the meatballs firm and tasty. Reheat the meatballs using the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. In the microwave, place them on a plate and cover. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds each, until warm. If using sauce, warm it separately and drizzle over the meatballs before serving. Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors blend well. You can also freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They last for about three months. When you’re ready to cook, bake them from frozen. To know if your meatballs are fully cooked, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The safe temperature for ground beef or turkey is 160°F (70°C). You can also cut one open. The inside should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them as they bake. You can serve honey garlic meatballs with many sides. Here are a few tasty options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Noodles, like soba or udon - Stir-fried vegetables for a fresh crunch - A simple green salad for balance - Lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option These pairings enhance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! You now have a clear view of making honey garlic meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, how to prepare them, and tasty variations. Remember to use the tips for perfect texture and flavor balance. Don’t forget about storing leftovers for later meals. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious meatballs any time. Happy cooking and make these meatballs your own!

Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy 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 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Shape the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Carefully remove the baked meatballs from the oven and transfer them into the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  • Spoon the glazed meatballs onto a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, spicy

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