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To make sticky honey garlic meatballs, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) These ingredients create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The meat provides protein, while the breadcrumbs help bind it all together. Garlic adds depth, and honey gives that sweet stickiness we love. Feel free to enhance your meatballs with these tasty add-ins: - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adding fresh herbs boosts the flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory kick, while red pepper flakes bring heat if you like spice. You can swap some ingredients based on your needs: - Use ground turkey for a lighter meal. - Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats for different textures. - For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. - Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweet taste. These substitutions keep the dish flexible and fun. Experimenting lets you find your perfect flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley if you want extra flavor. Use your hands to mix everything well. This ensures each meatball is packed with taste. Now that your mixture is ready, shape it into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other. This helps them cook evenly. Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should turn golden and be fully cooked inside. While the meatballs bake, you can make the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat. Bring the mix to a simmer. After it starts to bubble, add the cornstarch mixed with water. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken nicely. Once it’s thick, remove it from heat. When the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan. Gently toss them in the honey garlic sauce until they are well coated. This step adds a sticky, sweet flavor that makes these meatballs shine! To make great meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and turkey. The blend keeps them juicy. Also, don't overmix the meat. Mix until just combined for tender bites. When shaping, make them about one inch wide. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. To achieve a beautiful glaze, coat the meatballs in the sauce right after baking. Use a large spoon to gently toss them in the honey garlic sauce. This gives them an even coat and keeps them moist. If you want extra shine, drizzle some sauce over the top just before serving. Serve your sticky honey garlic meatballs on a rustic wooden board. Sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch and color. Add some fresh parsley for a pop of green. For parties, insert toothpicks into each meatball. This makes them easy to grab and adds a fun touch. You can also pair them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Always opt for fresh over dried where possible. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative. Experiment with Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef, providing a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just bake and glaze before serving for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for turkey in this recipe. Turkey is leaner and still tasty. It gives the meatballs a lighter feel. If you prefer a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. Mash them and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. This choice keeps the flavor and adds more fiber. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also mix in some sriracha to the sauce for a kick. This adds heat but balances well with the sweet honey. Just remember, a little goes a long way. While honey garlic is a winner, try other sauces too. BBQ sauce gives a smoky twist. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and salty vibe. You can also use marinara for a classic Italian feel. These sauces can change the whole meal! Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, freezing is a great option. Reheat meatballs in the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for one minute, then check. Continue heating in short bursts until warm. To freeze meatballs, let them cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about two hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. Another option is rolled oats. Just blend them for a finer texture. If you want a gluten-free choice, try ground nuts or almond flour. Each option gives a different taste and texture. Yes, you can prep meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and place them on a plate or tray. Cover and chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them. Just freeze on a tray, then store them in a bag. Thaw before cooking. Check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should reach 160°F (70°C) for ground beef or turkey. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open. It should be brown inside, with no pink. The outside should be golden brown and firm to the touch. You learned how to make sticky honey garlic meatballs using simple ingredients. I shared tips to cook them perfectly and how to add extra flavors. You can experiment with different proteins and sauces, too. Proper storage and reheating help keep your meatballs tasty. Enjoying this dish is easy, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends. Give it a try and make it your own!

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until fully incorporated.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
  • While the meatballs are baking, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir until well blended and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them into the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly.
  • Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished with fresh parsley.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs