Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Additional garnishes like sesame seeds and chopped green onions When I create these meatballs, I love using ground beef or turkey. They provide the best flavor and texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep it moist. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory taste. For flavor, garlic is a must. Honey brings sweetness, while soy sauce gives a nice umami kick. Apple cider vinegar balances the flavors perfectly. Don’t forget the salt, pepper, and onion powder; they enhance every bite. If you want more depth, consider adding sesame oil and crushed red pepper flakes. These optional ingredients give the meatballs an extra punch. Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions make for a lovely presentation. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting nice, brown meatballs. - Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. - Combine meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and onion powder. - Tips for mixing: Mix until just combined. Over-mixing can make your meatballs tough, so be gentle. - Form and shape the meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the lined baking sheet, spaced apart. - Baking time and temperature: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through and browned on the outside. - Ingredients for the glaze: Gather the glaze ingredients: honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. - Cooking instructions for the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all the glaze ingredients. Stir until mixed well. Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. - How to coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are baked, take them out and put them in a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic glaze over them and toss gently to coat. - Optional caramelizing step: If you want extra flavor, return the glazed meatballs to the oven for 5 more minutes. This helps caramelize the glaze and adds a nice finish. To make tender meatballs, avoid over-mixing the meat. When you mix, do it just enough to combine all the ingredients. If you mix too much, the meatballs will be tough. For cooking, I recommend baking at 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly and brown nicely. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C). To boost flavor, consider marinating the meat. You can use a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of honey. This adds depth to the meatballs before cooking. Adding spices can also enhance flavor. Try paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of smoked salt. Each spice can give a unique twist to your dish. For a great presentation, serve the meatballs on a big platter. Drizzle leftover glaze over them for shine. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. These brighten the dish and make it more inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Always opt for fresh over dried when possible. Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add more honey. Taste the glaze before adding it to the meatballs to ensure it meets your preference. Serving Suggestions: These meatballs pair well with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. Consider offering a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat for your honey garlic glazed meatballs. Ground chicken works well. It gives a lighter taste. You can also try plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas. They make a great vegetarian or vegan choice. Just mash them and mix with the other ingredients. The glaze will add yummy flavor to any protein you choose. Feel free to play with the glaze. For a sweet and spicy kick, add sriracha or chili paste. Mix in orange or lemon juice for a zesty twist. These citrus flavors brighten up the dish. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique flavor. Experimenting with the glaze keeps your meatballs exciting! Think about how you want to serve these meatballs. They pair nicely with rice or noodles for a full meal. You can also serve them in a meatball sub. Just add some cheese and toast the bread for a tasty treat. For a party, make them bite-sized and serve as appetizers. They will be a hit at any gathering! To keep your honey garlic glazed meatballs fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool down before you seal the container. This helps avoid moisture buildup. - Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warm. This method keeps them juicy and delicious. - Microwave: If you are in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or they might dry out. To maintain their quality, always check if they are heated through before serving. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! To make meatballs tender, use a few simple tips. First, don’t over-mix your meatball mixture. This can make them tough. Just mix until combined. Second, add a binder like breadcrumbs and egg. This keeps them moist. Lastly, bake them at a steady temperature. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Yes, you can prepare meatballs in advance. Make the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and store in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them. Just place the shaped meatballs in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. This way, you can cook them later. Honey garlic glazed meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice: It soaks up the glaze. - Mashed potatoes: A creamy side that complements the meatballs. - Roasted vegetables: Adds color and nutrients. - Salad: Fresh greens balance the sweet flavors. - Noodles: Serve with soy sauce for an Asian twist. You can use barbecue sauce instead of honey garlic glaze. It gives a different flavor but still tastes great. Choose a sauce you like. Sweet barbecue sauce will work well. You can also mix in some honey for a sweeter taste. Experiment and find your favorite flavor! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic glazed meatballs. We covered key ingredients, from ground beef to flavor enhancers like garlic and soy sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for baking and coating the meatballs, along with tips for perfecting texture and flavor. Variations allow you to customize your dish with different proteins and sauces. Remember, storing leftovers correctly keeps them fresh for later. With these insights, you're ready to impress at your next meal. Enjoy making and sharing your tasty meatballs!$

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until well combined, but do not over-mix.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well combined and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the honey garlic glaze over them, tossing gently to coat evenly.
For an extra touch, return the glazed meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze slightly. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.

Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs