– **Title**: Honey Garlic Meatballs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
– Sesame seeds and additional green onions for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and stir well.
6. Once the meatballs are finished baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat them evenly.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your honey garlic meatballs as an appetizer or main dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef gives these meatballs great flavor, but ground turkey is a lighter option. You can also try ground chicken or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work best, but if you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. It adds a nice texture without compromising taste!
Parmesan Cheese: For a stronger flavor, try Pecorino Romano instead. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute that gives a cheesy taste.
Green Onions: Chopped shallots or chives can replace green onions. They provide a similar mild onion flavor, and I sometimes mix in both for a richer taste!
Honey: Agave syrup or maple syrup can substitute honey in a pinch. Both bring sweetness, though the flavor might vary a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
To keep meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. It’s best to gently combine the ingredients without compressing the meat too much. Following these steps will help:
- Use cold ingredients. This keeps the fats from melting and helps the meatballs stay moist.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they help absorb moisture and keep the meatballs tender.
- When forming the meatballs, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and to keep them light.
Lastly, baking them on parchment paper helps them brown evenly without drying out. Enjoy your juicy meatballs!
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake, plus a little time to make the sauce. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and get that nice golden-brown color.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chosen ground meat (beef or turkey) with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, the egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined mixture. Your hands work best for this, so don’t hesitate to dive in!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to cook evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and beautifully browned. You can check if they are done by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink inside.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the honey garlic sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if you want to thicken it). Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and starts to simmer slightly. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully!
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once your meatballs are nicely baked, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them until they are well coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your glazed meatballs to a serving dish. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. These Honey Garlic Meatballs are perfect served warm as an appetizer or a main dish with rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option that works well in this recipe. Just make sure to choose ground turkey that isn’t too lean, as a bit of fat helps keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add a teaspoon of sriracha or another hot sauce when making the honey garlic sauce. Alternatively, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture for a spice kick throughout the dish!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave on medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, adding a splash of sauce if desired to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Just form them and place them on a lined baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps them cook evenly.
