Sweet Soy Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion (plus extra for garnish) - 1/4 cup fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water (for thickening) - Toasted sesame seeds for garnish - Green onions for garnish - Sesame oil for flavor - Cornstarch for thickening the glaze When I prepare sweet soy glazed meatballs, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The ground beef or turkey forms the base. I use breadcrumbs to bind the meat and give it texture. Ginger and garlic add a burst of flavor. Soy sauce and honey bring a sweet and salty kick that makes these meatballs shine. I also suggest adding green onions as a bright garnish. They not only look great but also add freshness to each bite. If you want a richer flavor, sesame oil works wonders. For a thicker sauce, cornstarch is your friend. It helps create that perfect glaze that clings to the meatballs. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes the cooking process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven is key. It helps your meatballs cook evenly. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). This heat gives your meatballs a nice golden color. In a large bowl, mix the meat, breadcrumbs, green onion, ginger, garlic, egg, pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spatula. Be gentle and avoid overmixing. This keeps your meatballs tender. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Use your hands for this. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The paper stops them from sticking. Bake for about 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are fully cooked. As the meatballs bake, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir it gently and bring it to a simmer. To thicken, add the cornstarch mixture slowly. Whisk while stirring for about 2-3 minutes. You want a nice, thick glaze. Once the meatballs are done, move them to a large bowl. Pour the thickened glaze over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly. This glaze adds a sweet and savory flavor. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the meatballs on a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion. This adds color and flavor, making your dish look great. To make great meatballs, focus on texture. Use a mix of ground beef or turkey. This blend gives a juicy bite. Add breadcrumbs to help hold the meatballs together. The egg also helps bind the mixture. When cooking, you can bake or fry the meatballs. Baking is easier and healthier. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. Frying gives a crispier outside. Use a hot pan with oil, but watch closely. To boost flavor, try adding spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper can add heat. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the taste. If you need a soy sauce alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both give a similar salty flavor. These options work well for gluten-free diets. Garnishing makes a dish pop. Use toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Green onions add color and freshness. For side dishes, serve with rice or steamed veggies. This pairs well with the sweet sauce. You can present meatballs on a large platter. This makes sharing easy and fun. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will elevate the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Opt for finely grated ginger and minced garlic for the best results. Don't Overmix: When combining the meatball mixture, be careful not to overmix. This will help keep your meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough. Experiment with Proteins: While ground beef and turkey are delicious, you can also use ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, feel free to reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative to suit your taste. {{image_4}} You can switch up the glaze for sweet soy glazed meatballs. Try using BBQ sauce. It adds a nice smoky flavor. Just brush it on before baking. If you want some heat, try a spicy chili glaze. Mix chili paste with soy sauce and honey. This adds a kick that wakes up your taste buds. You can make sweet soy glazed meatballs gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also swap soy sauce for coconut aminos. This keeps the flavor while making it safe for gluten-free diets. For those watching carbs, use low-carb breadcrumbs made from almond flour. This keeps the meatballs tasty while lowering the carbs. If you're looking for plant-based options, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them up and mix with spices to form meatballs. This gives a great flavor and texture. You can also customize the type of meat you use. Ground chicken or pork works well too. Each meat will bring a unique taste to the dish. To store leftovers, place your sweet soy glazed meatballs in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave on the defrost setting. For reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps the meatballs warm and tasty. If you use a microwave, heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious meatballs any time! To check if meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and perfectly cooked. You can also look for visual cues. The meatballs should be firm to the touch and browned on the outside. If the juices run clear when you cut one open, they are ready to serve. Yes, you can make sweet soy glazed meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Let them cool completely before storing. For the best storage, place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. You have many great options to serve with sweet soy glazed meatballs. Rice or noodles make a perfect base. The meatballs will complement these well. You can also add a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad balances the sweet glaze. Some steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas work great, too. These add color and nutrition to your meal. You can create tasty sweet soy glazed meatballs using simple steps. We covered key ingredients, like fresh ginger and soy sauce, and shared tips for making perfect meatballs. It's important to preheat your oven, mix the meat well, and glaze evenly. Try different sauces and keep portion sizes in mind for a great meal. Remember, these meatballs are versatile and can cater to various diets. With smart storage and reheating, they can make meals easy. Enjoy experimenting with your recipes and have fun in the kitchen!$

Sweet Soy Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory soy glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped green onion
0.25 cup fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water
to taste toasted sesame seeds for garnish
to taste extra chopped green onion for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onion, grated ginger, minced garlic, beaten egg, black pepper, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs for approximately 20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Slowly incorporate the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Transfer the baked meatballs to a large mixing bowl, pour the thickened glaze over them, and gently toss until coated.
Arrange the glazed meatballs on a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onion.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword appetizer, meatballs, soy glaze