Name: Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup minced garlic (About 4-5 cloves); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 egg (beaten); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that marries sweet, savory, and a hint of garlicky zing, look no further than these Honey Garlic Meatballs. This recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs that soak up a luscious honey garlic sauce, creating a flavor combo that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, Honey Garlic Meatballs bring a perfect balance of simplicity and bold taste that will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to achieving that perfect texture and dynamic flavor in your Honey Garlic Meatballs. Each component plays its part, from the richness of the ground beef to the punch of fresh garlic, culminating in a sticky sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.

1 lb ground beef: The star protein that forms the tender, juicy base of the meatballs.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and softness, keeping the meatballs from becoming dense.
1/4 cup milk: Helps moisten the breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
1/4 cup minced garlic: Infuses the meatballs with bold, aromatic flavor.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Delivers fresh, subtle sharpness and color.
1 beaten egg: The natural binder that keeps all ingredients together perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
1/4 cup honey: Offers natural sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings savory umami that enriches the sauce deeply.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like an extra kick of spice.

How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep goes a long way by ensuring your meatballs cook evenly without sticking, making cleanup much easier too.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, chopped green onions, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. This step is crucial – you want even distribution of flavors in every meatball.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. Placing them on the prepared baking sheet with some space in between ensures they cook evenly and brown nicely on all sides.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

Bake your meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked all the way through. The smell at this stage will have you eager for the next step: the sauce!

Step 5: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs bake, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy, irresistible glaze.

Step 6: Toss the Meatballs in Sauce

Remove the meatballs from the oven and gently toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce, ensuring each one is generously coated. This step transforms your perfectly cooked meatballs into sticky, flavorful bites that burst with sweet-savory goodness.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Serve the Honey Garlic Meatballs immediately, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions for that fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Meatballs

Garnishes

Green onions not only add a subtle sharpness but also a lovely splash of green that makes the dish visually inviting. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and an extra layer of texture.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Meatballs pair wonderfully with simple steamed rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce. For a lighter twist, serve alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these meatballs on party skewers as appetizers, or spoon them over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. They also make a fantastic filling in soft slider buns for a sweet and savory twist on sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Honey Garlic Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so they often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange baked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead meal.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a lighter alternative and will still absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully. Just keep in mind those meats tend to cook faster and can dry out, so watch your cooking times.

Is there a vegetarian version of Honey Garlic Meatballs?

You can make vegetarian meatballs using plant-based ground “meats” or lentil-based mixtures. The honey garlic sauce remains the same and provides that classic sweet-savory punch.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Definitely. Adjust the honey quantity to your taste or add a bit more rice vinegar for extra tang that balances the sweetness nicely.

How spicy are the meatballs if I use crushed red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that complements the sweetness without overpowering it. If you prefer mild, simply omit them or reduce the amount.

What is the best bread to serve with Honey Garlic Meatballs?

Soft rolls, like slider buns or dinner rolls, go great for sandwiches, while crusty baguette slices work perfectly for dipping into any extra sauce left on the plate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly satisfying about the fusion of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and tender meat in these Honey Garlic Meatballs. They’re easy to make, glow with irresistible flavor, and bring joy to any table, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly everyone asks for seconds!

Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs (serves 4) 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Honey Garlic Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and savory appetizer or main dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or as a flavorful snack.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, chopped green onions, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs roughly 1 inch in diameter and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes, or until they are browned and fully cooked through.
Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs bake, prepare the honey garlic sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Toss in Sauce: After baking, remove the meatballs from the oven and immediately toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until each meatball is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the honey garlic meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions if desired, making them perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main course.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian Fusion