These honey garlic meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet and savory! Made with ground meat, garlic, and a sticky honey sauce, they are sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how easy they are to whip up, and they make a great snack or main dish! Just pop them in the oven or serve them in a skillet, and you’ve got a hit on your hands! 🍯🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of ground beef and pork gives a nice flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer plain breadcrumbs, but if you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. You can also make your own by pulsing toasted bread in a food processor.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a great depth of flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for that cheesy taste!
Honey: Use raw honey for a more complex flavor. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup works well, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: A soy sauce substitute can be tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a lighter taste. Keep in mind it may slightly alter the overall flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
To keep your meatballs juicy, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Mixing just until combined helps maintain tenderness. Use a light hand when forming the balls—overworking can make them tough.
- Cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
- If possible, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Following these tips will help you serve delicious, flavorful meatballs that everyone will love!
How to Make 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
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With about 10-15 minutes for prep and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Make sure they are evenly sized to ensure they cook at the same rate!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the meatballs in batches. Cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until you have a smooth mixture. This will be the tasty sauce that coats your meatballs!
5. Thickening the Sauce:
Pour the sauce into the same skillet you used for the meatballs. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat while stirring constantly. You want this sauce to thicken, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss them to coat evenly and cook for an additional minute or two so they soak up all that delicious flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, garnishing them with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat. Serve them hot!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your sweet, savory, and sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs! Perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken for the Meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative to beef, making for a lighter dish. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or using ground oats. Also, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos in the sauce!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze the raw meatballs: place them on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a zip-top bag for longer storage.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
