– **Title**: Asian Meatballs Crockpot
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef (or pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Additional green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the meatballs in the crockpot.
4. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring all meatballs are covered.
5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the teriyaki sauce before pouring it over the meatballs.
6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs and transfer them to a serving dish. If the sauce is too thin, you can increase the heat and let it simmer with the lid off for a few minutes to thicken.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Asian meatballs as an appetizer or serve over rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This recipe highlights ground pork, which adds great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can easily substitute it with ground beef or chicken. Ground turkey is also a healthier alternative, but it may result in slightly drier meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work perfectly, but feel free to use panko for a crunchier texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats as a nice alternative.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. You can use chives if you want a more subtle taste. Dried onion flakes can be a good backup too, but they won’t provide the same color or freshness.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and sticky sauce is key to the dish’s flavor. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, try mixing equal parts of soy sauce and peanut butter with a bit of sugar as a quick substitute.
How Do You Form Perfect Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but a few tips can help you get it right! First, ensure your mixture is mixed well but not overworked; that keeps them tender. Wet your hands slightly before handling the mixture to prevent sticking.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, grab about a tablespoon of meat mixture.
- Roll it gently between your palms to form an even ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place them on a plate until you’re ready to cook them.
Keeping them uniform in size ensures even cooking, so don’t rush this step! Enjoy your deliciously tender meatballs!
How to Make Asian Meatballs in a Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef/chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (for meatballs)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for either 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. So, you can set it up and let it do its thing while you relax or get other things done!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the ground pork (or your choice of meat), breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, it’s time to make the meatballs! Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you go. This should make a good number of tasty meatballs!
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
To prevent sticking, spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. Once that’s done, carefully place the meatballs inside the crockpot in a single layer if you can. They can be a little snug, but that’s okay!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water until well blended. This mixture will add great flavor to your meatballs. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, making sure they’re all covered nicely.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fully cooked and bursting with flavor!
6. Serve and Garnish!
Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully remove them from the crockpot and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle them with extra sauce from the crockpot for extra yumminess. Finally, sprinkle the meatballs with sesame seeds and the extra chopped green onions for a lovely finishing touch before serving.
Enjoy your Asian meatballs! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground pork and will work just as well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so adding a splash of chicken broth or an extra tablespoon of sesame oil can help keep the meatballs moist.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Shape them and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen—just add extra cooking time when using the crockpot.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for later use. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before freezing, and reheat gently in the microwave or in the crockpot on low.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer a little heat, consider adding a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the hoisin sauce mixture. For a milder flavor, just stick with the hoisin sauce as is—it’s already sweet and tangy!
