Honey Garlic Meatballs (45 Minutes)

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Ready for a flavor-packed dinner? These Asian-inspired honey garlic meatballs are just the thing!

With a sticky and sweet honey garlic glaze, they’re a hit every time. Pair them with some fluffy rice, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top, and you’ve got a dish that’s both delicious and easy to whip up.

Trust me, it might just become a regular on your dinner rotation.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the honey garlic sauce:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

For serving:

  • Cooked rice (white or brown)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the mixture (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Shape the meatballs (10 minutes): Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, placing them on a lined baking sheet.
  3. Cook the meatballs (10 minutes): In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Make the sauce (5 minutes): While the meatballs are cooking, in a small saucepan, combine the honey, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine meatballs and sauce (5 minutes): Once the meatballs are done, pour the sauce over them in the skillet and toss to coat.
  6. Serve (5 minutes): Plate your cooked rice, top with the glazed meatballs, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

These honey garlic meatballs really hit the spot when you’re craving something savory with a touch of sweetness. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch and a pop of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas to make it a more complete meal. Always remember to taste and adjust the sauce to your liking—some like it sweeter, others a bit more salty. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Pair this with...

Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach, giving it a thorough rinse and patting it dry. In a large pan, heat a glug of olive oil until it's shimmering. Toss in finely chopped garlic — the more, the merrier for garlic lovers! Let the garlic sizzle just a bit, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it brown too much. Swiftly add in the spinach, watching as it wilts and soaks up that garlicky goodness. It'll reduce in size dramatically, but that's where the intense flavor comes in. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens up the dish wonderfully. Serve it straight from the pan.

Vinegar Cole Slaw

Start by thinly slicing or shredding a head of purple cabbage. Toss it in a bowl with some julienned carrots for a touch of sweetness and contrasting color. You can also throw in any additional veggies as desired. For the dressing, whisk together apple cider vinegar, a splash of olive oil, a pinch of sugar (or honey) to balance out the tartness, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of celery seed. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, giving everything a good toss to ensure every bite is coated. Let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld.

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

Start by slicing a cucumber into thin rounds. In a bowl, combine a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a bit of rice vinegar for tang. Add in a pinch of sugar for balance and some red pepper flakes or a dab of chili paste for that spicy touch. Mix these together to create your dressing. Toss the cucumber slices in the dressing, ensuring they're well-coated. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds. If you have green onions or cilantro, chop some up and mix them in. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!