Honey Garlic Meatballs are a tasty mix of sweet and savory. These little bites are made with juicy ground meat, garlic, and a yummy honey sauce that makes everything better!
Who can resist a meatball? I often serve these with rice or pasta, and my family can’t get enough of them. The stickiness of the honey sauce just adds to the fun! 😊
Making these meatballs is super easy! Just mix, roll, and cook. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or to impress friends at a party. You’ll love how simple yet delicious they are!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mix of ground beef and pork for these meatballs; the pork adds extra juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly too!
Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as substitutes.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but really enhances the flavor. If you want a non-dairy version, nutritional yeast is a good alternative.
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness, but you can swap it with maple syrup or agave syrup if needed for a vegan option. Just adjust the amount based on your taste!
How Do You Ensure Meatballs are Moist and Flavorful?
The secret to moist and flavorful meatballs is in the mixing and cooking. When mixing, be gentle to avoid tough meatballs. Also, use milk to help create moisture. Cooking them on medium heat gives a nice brown crust without overcooking the insides.
- Mix the ingredients well but don’t overdo it.
- Shape meatballs evenly; this helps them cook uniformly.
- Brown them in a hot skillet to lock in juices.
Remember, letting them sit in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking allows them to soak in all that delicious flavor! Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Meatballs!
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional, adds slight tang and color)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious weeknight meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overworking the meat. You want them to be tender!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to keep them uniform in size so they’ll cook evenly. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Carefully add the meatballs in batches if necessary—this helps them brown nicely. Cook and turn them occasionally until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Cook and stir for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. You’ll love the smell at this point!
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss them to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the meatballs through and let them soak up all that delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or over rice or noodles for a delightful meal.
Enjoy your sticky, sweet, and savory Honey Garlic Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a leaner option. Just note that they may be slightly less juicy, so consider adding a touch more milk or a higher fat percentage if preferred!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Once ready to cook, just add them directly to the skillet from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even inside a sandwich. For a lighter option, serve them over steamed vegetables or alongside a fresh salad. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!