As the golden sun sets on another busy day, I often find myself yearning for something simple yet satisfying. That’s when these Teriyaki Meatballs come into play. The delightful aroma of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce bubbling on the stove instantly transforms any weeknight into a special occasion.
I remember one evening, utterly worn out from the chaos of daily life, I needed a dish that would not just please my taste buds but also lift my spirits. Suddenly, I had a lightbulb moment: juicy meatballs glistening with a homemade teriyaki glaze! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, these little wonders come together in under 35 minutes, making them the perfect antidote to the fast-food fatigue many of us feel.
These Teriyaki Meatballs are versatile, too—they can be served over rice, tossed in a salad, or even tucked inside a warm bun for a homemade slider. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, they promise to impress without exhausting your energy. Ready to savor the flavors of Japan right at home? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why Will You Love Teriyaki Meatballs?
Simplicity, with just a few easy ingredients, these meatballs come together faster than a trip to your favorite takeout spot. Bold flavors shine through, thanks to the perfect blend of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Versatile serving options make them ideal for any occasion—serve over rice for a comforting meal, or toss in a salad for a fresh twist. Family-friendly, these meatballs are a hit with kids and adults alike, bringing smiles to the dinner table. Plus, they are a significant upgrade from bland fast food, making your weeknights feel special without the fuss. For a complete meal idea, consider pairing them with your favorite sides.
Teriyaki Meatballs Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- Ground beef (80/20) – a juicy blend that keeps the meatballs tender and packed with flavor.
- Large egg – helps bind the mixture together for a perfect meatball texture.
- Panko – provides a light and crispy texture, making your meatballs irresistible.
- Soy sauce – adds depth of flavor to the meat mixture and enhances the umami profile.
- Salt – brings out the flavors of the meat and the teriyaki sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper – adds a subtle heat for a perfect balance.
- Garlic powder – gives a warm, aromatic touch to the meatballs.
- Ground ginger – infuses a zesty hint that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Scallions – both green and white parts add freshness and a mild onion flavor for an extra layer of taste.
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- Soy sauce – the star of the sauce that gives your teriyaki its signature salty flavor.
- Water – helps to thin out the sauce and balance its intensity.
- Ground ginger – brings continuity of flavor from the meatballs to the sauce.
- Garlic powder – a repeat performer that deepens the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Honey – sweetens the sauce, creating that delightful sticky glaze.
- Rice vinegar – adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
- Cornstarch – thickens the sauce for a luscious finish.
- Water – ensures the cornstarch mixture is smooth and easily blendable.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re just moments away from enjoying your homemade Teriyaki Meatballs like never before!
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
-
Prepare the baking sheet. Start by lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
-
Mix the meatball ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, panko, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Mix until everything is well blended, and then form the mixture into meatballs, around 1½ inches in diameter.
-
Broil the meatballs. Arrange your meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one. Set the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and broil for 5 minutes. Flip them over and broil for an additional 5 minutes until cooked.
-
Prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a large saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, water, ground ginger, garlic powder, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, letting those flavors mingle beautifully.
-
Thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Slowly whisk this cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, whisking continuously, until the sauce has thickened and is glossy.
-
Coat the meatballs. Once the meatballs are broiled to perfection, transfer them to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated, soaking up that delicious flavor!
-
Serve and garnish. Serve your teriyaki meatballs warm, garnished with the green parts of the scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Optional: Serve over fluffy rice or crispy noodles for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Teriyaki Meatballs Variations
Feel free to make these meatballs your own with these fun twists and variations!
-
Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option that’s still juicy and flavorful.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and tamari in place of regular soy sauce, making it friendly for gluten sensitivities.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the meat mixture for a delightful heat that marries beautifully with the sweet sauce.
-
Veggie Boost: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms in the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition. They’ll soak up all that lovely flavor!
-
Pineapple Teriyaki: Adding crushed pineapple to the sauce gives a tropical twist that enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
-
Coconut Aminos: For a soy-free alternative, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, creating a slightly sweeter and less salty teriyaki flavor.
-
Herb Infusion: Add fresh cilantro or basil to the meatball mixture or as a garnish for an aromatic twist that brightens each bite.
-
Quinoa or Rice Filler: Replace half of the ground beef with cooked quinoa or rice for a hearty, nutritious twist that adds a delightful texture.
How to Store and Freeze Teriyaki Meatballs
Fridge: Store cooked teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze meatballs before cooking or after for up to 3 months. Flash freeze on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for a quick defrost. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth until heated through for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Feel free to enjoy them on top of rice or nestled in a warm bun, making for a cozy meal anytime!
What to Serve with Teriyaki Meatballs?
Elevate your dinner experience with delightful pairings that complement the sweet and savory flavors of these meatballs.
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Light and aromatic, it soaks up the luscious teriyaki sauce, creating a comforting foundation for your meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds vibrant crunch and a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Sesame Noodles: These chewy noodles tossed in sesame oil make for a delightful pairing, enhancing the Asian-inspired theme of your dish.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy and subtly sweet, this rice creates a nice contrast to the bold teriyaki flavors, making every mouthful a pleasure.
- Crispy Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy vinaigrette brings a satisfying crunch that balances the meatballs’ richness.
- Mango Salad: Sweet, juicy mango slices mixed with cilantro and lime offer a bright, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs.
- Skewered Grilled Pineapple: Sweet and smoky, the caramelized edges of grilled pineapple add a fun, tropical flare to your plate, enhancing both the flavors and presentation.
- Green Tea: A soothing and light beverage that cleanses the palate and rounds out the meal without overwhelming the taste buds.
- Chocolate Mochi: For dessert, this chewy treat with its rich chocolate filling makes a perfect sweet ending to your meal’s savory start.
Expert Tips for Teriyaki Meatballs
-
Quality Beef: Use ground beef that’s 80/20 for balance—lean enough to be healthy but fatty enough to be juicy and flavorful.
-
Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can create tough meatballs instead of tender ones.
-
Consistent Size: Aim for 1½-inch meatballs to ensure even cooking. If they’re different sizes, some may be overdone while others are undercooked.
-
Sauce Thickness: For the perfect glaze, let the sauce simmer until it thickens beautifully. Stir continually to avoid lumps from the cornstarch.
-
Serving Ideas: Get creative! These teriyaki meatballs can be served over rice, placed in a sandwich, or added to a stir-fry for varied meals.
-
Storage Tips: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for delicious quick lunches!
Make Ahead Options
These Teriyaki Meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to save time and stress. You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking; simply form the meatballs and place them on the baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture. As for the teriyaki sauce, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To finish, just broil the meatballs when you’re ready to serve and toss them in the reheated teriyaki sauce for that sweet and savory flavor. They will taste just as delicious, making your mealtime a breeze!
Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ground beef for the meatballs?
Absolutely! For the juiciest teriyaki meatballs, I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. This ensures they stay tender while still having enough fat for flavor. Look for beef that is bright red in color with no dark spots, which indicates freshness.
How should I store leftover teriyaki meatballs?
The more the merrier! Store cooked teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container once they are completely cooled. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze teriyaki meatballs, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze teriyaki meatballs! If you’re freezing them after cooking, allow them to cool completely. Flash-freeze by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for a quick defrost.
What do I do if my teriyaki sauce isn’t thickening?
No worries! If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, it might be because the cornstarch mixture wasn’t added slowly or thoroughly. Here’s what to do: whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth in a separate bowl. Slowly stir this into the simmering sauce and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. If it’s still not thick enough, let it simmer a bit longer while stirring gently.
Are teriyaki meatballs suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Very! If you or someone you’re serving has a gluten intolerance, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the same delightful crunch. Just ensure all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free as well!
Can I feed teriyaki meatballs to my pet?
It’s best to avoid giving teriyaki meatballs to your pets. The soy sauce and honey can be harmful to them, especially in larger quantities. Instead, consider preparing a simple meatball without seasoning to share a little love with your furry friends!
Teriyaki Meatballs: A Savory Twist on Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly greasing it.
- Mix meatball ingredients in a bowl, form mixture into 1½ inch meatballs.
- Broil meatballs for 5 minutes, flip and broil for another 5 until cooked.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce by whisking ingredients and simming over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce using a cornstarch mixture until glossy.
- Coat meatballs in the teriyaki sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with scallions.