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Are you ready to make a dish that will wow your taste buds? This easy recipe for Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs combines savory ground meat with a sweet, sticky sauce. It’s simple and satisfying, perfect for any meal. Follow along as I share quality ingredients, helpful tips, and step-by-step instructions. Your family will love these meatballs, and you’ll enjoy making them! Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of teriyaki sauce with ginger and garlic creates a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress anyone.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with chicken or turkey, and adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
- Fun and Interactive: Serving these meatballs with toothpicks adds a fun twist, making them an ideal appetizer for parties or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef or chicken
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
You need ground beef or chicken as the base for these meatballs. Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Scallions bring a fresh flavor, while garlic and ginger add depth. The beaten egg helps hold everything together. Sesame oil adds a touch of richness, and salt and pepper season the mix.
Teriyaki sauce options
– 1/2 cup store-bought teriyaki sauce
– Homemade teriyaki sauce ingredients
You can choose a store-bought teriyaki sauce for quick prep. It saves time on busy days. If you want to make your own, you can mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This way, you can adjust the flavors to fit your taste.
Garnishes
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
– Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), roughly chopped
Garnishes make your dish pop! Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley bring brightness and color to your meatballs. You can use either or both for a beautiful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Meatball preparation
Mixing ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or chicken. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs for crunch. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped scallions. Crack in 1 large beaten egg, and add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of finely grated ginger. Pour in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well with your hands or a spoon until it’s combined.
Shaping meatballs
Now, take small amounts of the mixture and shape them into balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or tray as you go.
Baking meatballs
Preheating the oven
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs cook properly and brown well.
Baking time and techniques
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs on the sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should be golden brown and cooked through when done.
Coating and garnishing
Preparing teriyaki sauce
While the meatballs bake, heat 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently until it simmers, and be careful not to burn it.
Tossing meatballs in sauce and final presentation
Once the meatballs are ready, move them to the saucepan with the warmed teriyaki sauce. Toss them gently to coat every meatball evenly. Heat them in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Remove them, letting excess sauce drip off. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for color and flavor. Serve them on a platter with extra sauce drizzled for a tasty touch.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving perfect meatballs
To make meatballs that are just right, aim for a size of about 1 inch. This helps them cook evenly. When you bake them, keep an eye on the time. Overbaking can make them dry. To fight this, you can add a bit more sauce to the pan while they bake. This keeps moisture in.
Enhancing the teriyaki flavor
If you want a stronger taste, try adding more ginger or garlic. You can also play with soy sauce levels for a saltier bite. For a twist, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Presentation ideas
For serving, place the meatballs on a nice platter. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over them for a glossy finish. You can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top. This not only looks great but also adds flavor. Using toothpicks for serving makes it fun and easy for guests.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh scallions and ginger to enhance the flavor profile of your meatballs. Fresh ingredients provide a more vibrant taste compared to dried or pre-packaged options.
- Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to customize the teriyaki sauce by adding a splash of pineapple juice or a dash of chili flakes for a sweet or spicy kick. Experimenting with flavors can make the dish uniquely yours.
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives to cater to different dietary preferences while keeping the dish delicious.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance, freeze them uncooked, and simply bake when you’re ready to serve. This can save time on busy weeknights and ensure a quick meal is always on hand.

Variations
Protein alternatives
You can switch up the meat in these meatballs. Try using ground turkey or pork instead of beef or chicken. Both options offer great flavor and can lighten the dish. If you want a meat-free meal, use plant-based alternatives. Look for ground soy or lentils. These options are tasty and healthy.
Flavor variations
Feel free to get creative with your teriyaki glaze. If you want a spicy kick, add some chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This adds heat and depth. For a sweet and tangy twist, mix in a bit of pineapple juice or brown sugar. This will give your meatballs a unique taste.
Serving suggestions
These teriyaki meatballs pair well with many side dishes. Serve them over rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also add steamed veggies for color and crunch. If you like meal prep, make a big batch of meatballs. Store them in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later. Just reheat and enjoy!
Storage Info
Storing cooked meatballs
To keep your teriyaki glazed meatballs fresh, follow these guidelines. First, let the meatballs cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between the meatballs if stacking them. This helps prevent sticking.
– Refrigeration guidelines: Store cooked meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the fridge stays below 40°F (4°C) for safety.
– Freezing instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to label the bags with the date.
Reheating tips
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, here are the best methods to reheat meatballs.
– Best methods for reheating meatballs: Use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes. If using a microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
– Maintaining flavor and texture: To keep the flavor, add a little teriyaki sauce while reheating. This keeps the meatballs juicy and tasty.
Shelf life
Knowing how long your teriyaki glazed meatballs last is key.
– How long teriyaki glazed meatballs last in the fridge/freezer: In the fridge, they last 3 days. In the freezer, they can stay fresh for 3 months. Enjoy them while they’re at their best!
FAQs
Can I make teriyaki glazed meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare teriyaki glazed meatballs ahead of time. This makes meals easier on busy days. Here are some tips for meal prepping:
– Prep the meatballs: You can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
– Cook and freeze: Bake the meatballs, then let them cool. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
– Reheat easily: When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, there are great alternatives. Here are some options:
– Regular breadcrumbs: They work but may not give the same crunch.
– Crushed crackers: Use saltines or any plain crackers for a nice texture.
– Oats: Ground oats can also serve as a binder and add a different flavor.
– Cornmeal: This adds a unique taste and a slight crunch.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
To ensure meatballs are safe to eat, check their internal temperature. Here’s how:
– Use a meat thermometer: The meatballs should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
– Look for color: They should be brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
– Check the juices: If you cut one open, the juices should run clear, not pink.
These steps help you cook safe and delicious teriyaki glazed meatballs every time!
In this blog post, we explored making teriyaki glazed meatballs. We discussed main ingredients like ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, and scallions. You learned about different teriyaki sauce options and garnishes to elevate the dish. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect meatballs, and variations for all diets.
In closing, these meatballs are easy and tasty. Whether you make them for a quick dinner or for meal prep, they are a great choice. Enjoy your cooking and try out different flavor
Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs
Delicious meatballs glazed with a savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted for added flavor
- to garnish fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or chicken), breadcrumbs, finely chopped scallions, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Using your hands or a spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well integrated. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Carefully arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and exhibit a golden brown color on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce by heating it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the warmed teriyaki sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to ensure an even coating and allow them to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
After coating the meatballs, remove them from the saucepan and let any excess sauce drip off. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the meatballs for an extra crunch and flavor.
Finish by garnishing the meatballs with a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, adding a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Serve on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Keyword appetizer, meatballs, teriyaki
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