These Honey Garlic Meatballs are a sweet and tasty treat! Made with juicy ground meat and coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, they’re perfect for dinner or as a fun snack.
I love how they balance sweet and savory flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up and disappear quickly—it’s kind of a magic trick! 🪄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe calls for beef, but ground turkey or chicken can also work well if you prefer a leaner option. I personally love using turkey for a lighter take!
Breadcrumbs: You can use plain breadcrumbs or even panko for added crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try oats or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice flavor, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. I like to mix in some extra cheese for an even richer taste!
Fresh Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works too. You could also swap it with basil or cilantro for a different twist.
Honey: If you’re looking for alternatives, maple syrup or agave syrup can be great substitutes for honey. They bring a similar sweetness without the bees!
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Hold Together?
Keeping meatballs from falling apart can be tricky. Here are some tips to help them out:
- Make sure to mix your ingredients well. This helps bind everything together.
- The egg is key! It acts as a binder, so don’t skip it.
- Roll your meatballs gently and make them uniform in size, around 1 inch. This will help them cook evenly.
- If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs, but don’t overdo it.
By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll have perfectly shaped meatballs that hold their form while baking! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup minced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven. So, in around 40-45 minutes, you can have scrumptious Honey Garlic Meatballs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red chili flakes (if you like some spice). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to make the meatballs! Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Once rolled, place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
5. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the honey garlic sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger (if using), and sesame oil. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are finished baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the delicious honey garlic sauce over them, and gently toss until all the meatballs are nicely coated in the sauce.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Your honey garlic meatballs are ready to serve! Warm them up and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your tasty dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may result in slightly drier meatballs, so you can add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a splash of broth to keep them moist.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both will give a similar savory flavor to the sauce!
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce a few days in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready to use, warm it up gently on the stove and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
