Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious teriyaki meatballs recipe! If you’re a fan of Asian flavors and love meatballs, then this dish is a must-try. The combination of tender meatballs and the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce will leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these teriyaki meatballs are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup milk

– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

– 1 egg

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the teriyaki sauce:

– 1/2 cup soy sauce

– 1/4 cup water

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.

3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until well combined.

5. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

6. Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss them gently in the teriyaki sauce until they are coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.

7. Serve the teriyaki meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or served over steamed rice as a main course.

Variations

There are several variations you can try with this teriyaki meatballs recipe to suit your preferences:

– For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

– Add some heat by including a finely chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce.

– Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the meatballs. You can try adding a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or five-spice powder.

– For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute them with almond flour or crushed rice crackers.

Tips

– To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Mix until just combined.

– If the meat mixture feels too sticky, wet your hands with a little water to make shaping the meatballs easier.

– For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.

– If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the recipe.

Conclusion

These teriyaki meatballs are a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. The combination of juicy meatballs and the irresistible teriyaki sauce makes for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe until step 3, then refrigerate the uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, proceed with the remaining steps.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in a skillet with the teriyaki sauce until heated through.

What can I serve with teriyaki meatballs?

Teriyaki meatballs pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve them as sliders or add them to a wrap with some fresh greens.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead?

While homemade teriyaki sauce is preferred for its fresh flavors, you can use bottled teriyaki sauce as a shortcut. Simply skip the steps for making the sauce and heat the bottled sauce in a skillet before adding the cooked meatballs.