These honey garlic meatballs are a tasty delight! Made with juicy ground meat and coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, they’re perfect for any meal or snack.
Who doesn’t love tiny meatballs that are both sweet and savory? I always make extra because they disappear fast—my family just can’t resist them! 🥳
Making these meatballs is so easy! I mix the ingredients, bake them, and then slather on that tasty sauce. They’re great with rice or on their own for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for ground beef since it adds nice flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey works well too, or a mix of beef and pork for richer taste.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs hold the meatballs together, but you can swap them for panko for extra crunchiness. For gluten-free options, try almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Honey: The star of the sauce! If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is a great alternative for that sweet flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your taste.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is salty and satisfying. For a gluten-free version, use tamari, or coconut aminos for a milder taste. You can also reduce the amount if you’re watching your sodium intake.
How Do I Get My Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful?
To avoid dry meatballs, don’t overmix your meat mixture. Just combine until everything is evenly mixed. Adding breadcrumbs and a bit of milk helps with moisture, too!
- Preheat the oven properly to cook them evenly.
- Shape them to be uniform in size; this ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the baking step; it helps to seal in the juices before tossing them in the sauce.
Trust me, these tips will help you create mouthwatering meatballs every time!
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for color and depth)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry for thickening)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for slight heat)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking, making it roughly 30 minutes total. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, onion powder, and milk. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything but make sure not to overmix—just until combined!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Slide those meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. You can check doneness by cutting one in half; there should be no pink inside!
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s whip up the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and ketchup. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Once it’s simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring as it cooks for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Then, remove it from the heat.
7. Coat the Meatballs:
After baking, carefully transfer the meatballs to a bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over them and gently toss to ensure all the meatballs are coated in that sticky goodness.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a bit of color and extra flavor. Serve these delicious meatballs hot, either on their own, with steamed rice, or over noodles.
Enjoy your sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic meatballs! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey may be a bit drier, so consider adding a touch more milk or some grated vegetables for added moisture.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it up on the stove before tossing it with your freshly baked meatballs.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave them or warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.
What To Serve with Honey Garlic Meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over rice, noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables. They also make a great appetizer all on their own. Enjoy!
