Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky — Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with a perfect balance of flavors. Juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and full of depth.

This dish is a crowd favorite that works as an appetizer, party snack, or even a hearty dinner when paired with rice or noodles.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and deeply satisfying. The meatballs are soft and juicy inside, while the glaze adds a luscious, sticky coating that’s both sweet and garlicky.

The flavor combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic is pure perfection — it hits every note of sweet, salty, and umami.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You simply must try this dish because:

• It’s quick and easy — perfect for busy days.
• The sauce is addictively delicious and pairs well with almost anything.
• It’s meal-prep and freezer friendly.
• Works as a main course or appetizer.
• Offers that perfect restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

Serves 4–5 people (makes about 20–24 meatballs)

Calories

Approx. 280–320 calories per serving

Cuisine

Asian-inspired / Fusion

Course

Appetizer / Main Course

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or ground chicken/turkey/pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped green onions

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix and form the meatballs. Combine all meatball ingredients and shape into small balls.
2. Cook the meatballs. Pan-fry or bake until browned and cooked through.
3. Prepare the honey garlic glaze. Simmer honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then thicken with cornstarch slurry.
4. Coat and serve. Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce until evenly glazed. Serve hot!

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, soy sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix — this keeps the meatballs tender.
3. Roll into evenly sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a tray or plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Pan-Fry Method

• Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.

Option 2: Baking Method

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well.
4. Once it begins to simmer, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Combine and Glaze

1. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce.
2. Toss well until each meatball is coated with the sticky honey garlic glaze.
3. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors absorb.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve warm!

How to Serve

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at parties.
• Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add to subs or sliders for a fun twist.
• Serve over zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat: It can make meatballs tough.
• Uniform size: Keeps cooking even and consistent.
• Preheat the pan: Helps achieve a nice crust on the meatballs.
• Control sauce thickness: Add more water if it’s too thick, or reduce longer for extra stickiness.
• Use lean meat: For healthier results without losing flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs: Add 1–2 tsp chili flakes or Sriracha to the glaze.
2. Teriyaki Meatballs: Replace honey with brown sugar and add a splash of mirin.
3. Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based mince or mashed chickpeas instead of meat.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
5. Cheesy Center: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella before cooking.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze cooked and cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 2 months.
  • Place in freezer bags or containers with sauce poured over.
• Reheating:
  • Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
  • If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking tray (if baking)
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk (for sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pre-made frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just cook them according to package instructions and then toss them in the honey garlic glaze.

Q2: What meat works best for this recipe?
Ground beef gives a rich flavor, while ground chicken or turkey makes it lighter and leaner.

Q3: Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Absolutely — reduce the honey slightly and increase soy sauce or vinegar for balance.

Q4: How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture has enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs) and avoid overmixing.

Q5: Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier and hands-free alternative. The texture will still be great!

Conclusion

The Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. With their tender texture and glossy coating, they’re a guaranteed showstopper at any gathering. The best part? They’re easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and absolutely delicious every single time.