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Honey Garlic Meatballs

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce until glossy and flavorful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
For the honey garlic sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon parsley or green onion chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 large skillet with lid or loose cover
  • 1 small bowl for sauce and slurry
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 spatula or tongs

Method
 

Make the meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into about 16 evenly sized meatballs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
Make the sauce and finish
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  2. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once or twice, until the meatballs are cooked through.
  3. Stir the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Add it to the skillet and stir gently.
  4. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy and coats the meatballs.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture. For best results, use an instant-read thermometer and cook beef meatballs to 160F; if using ground turkey or chicken, cook to 165F. These meatballs reheat well and can be served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.