Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs are a delicious combination of tender, juicy meatballs glazed in a glossy, flavorful teriyaki sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. They’re a crowd-pleasing favorite — perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish served over rice or noodles.

Each bite bursts with the deep umami of soy sauce, the warmth of garlic and ginger, and the subtle sweetness of honey or brown sugar. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, these meatballs bring the comforting taste of Asian-inspired flavors to your table in under an hour.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food meets elegance — simple ingredients that come together to create something rich and flavorful. The tender, juicy meatballs soak up that sweet, sticky teriyaki glaze beautifully. Every bite feels like a little explosion of flavor!

It’s also versatile — you can serve it as a hearty appetizer at gatherings, a meal over rice, or even in sliders. Plus, it’s quick, meal-prep friendly, and tastes even better the next day. This recipe has a beautiful balance of texture and flavor that never fails to impress.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because it hits all the right notes:

Sweet, savory, and satisfying flavor profile.
Perfect texture — juicy on the inside and slightly glazed on the outside.
Quick and adaptable — use any meat or serve it in multiple ways.
Crowd-pleaser — everyone loves bite-sized, flavorful snacks.

It’s the ideal dish when you want something homemade yet restaurant-worthy — a flavorful comfort food you’ll crave again and again.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–5 servings (makes about 20–24 meatballs)
Calories: Approximately 230 kcal per serving

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Japanese Fusion

Course: Appetizer / Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken, turkey, beef, or pork
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon green onions (optional)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

⅓ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Optional garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Simple Cooking Directions

Mix meatball ingredients and shape into small balls.
Bake or pan-fry meatballs until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare teriyaki sauce in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until well coated.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. Form into small, even-sized meatballs (about 1 inch each).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Bake — Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Option 2: Pan-fry — Heat a skillet with a little oil and cook meatballs over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Combine and Glaze

Add the cooked meatballs into the saucepan and gently toss until all are evenly coated in the sauce. Let them simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
Pair with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a full meal.
Add to noodle bowls or Asian-style wraps.
Great for party platters or bento lunch boxes.
For extra flair, serve on a bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, fluffier meatball texture.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture — it can make the meatballs dense.
If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to adjust consistency.
For a glossy finish, brush extra teriyaki sauce on the meatballs before serving.
You can also air-fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Variations

Spicy Teriyaki Meatballs: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs: Mix in pineapple chunks for tropical sweetness.
Beef & Ginger Fusion: Use ground beef and extra fresh ginger for bold flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs.

Freezing and Storage

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Place cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet or skillet
Saucepan
Whisk
Measuring spoons and cups

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the meatballs and refrigerate or freeze them. When ready to serve, warm them in the sauce.

Q2: What meat works best for this recipe?
Ground chicken or turkey gives a light flavor, while beef or pork adds richness.

Q3: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and lets you adjust sweetness and saltiness.

Q4: How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q5: What can I serve with these meatballs?
Rice, noodles, sautéed vegetables, or even mashed potatoes pair wonderfully!

Conclusion

Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying — ideal for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, party appetizer, or main course, they deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

Their glossy, sticky glaze and tender texture make them a crowd favorite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and endlessly versatile — this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again. Serve it once, and watch it become a household favorite