Teriyaki Meatballs
Teriyaki Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory flavors that create a memorable dish perfect for various occasions. These tender meatballs bring together the robust tastes of lean ground beef and pork, complemented by a savory teriyaki sauce that has a slight sweetness. Baked to perfection, they boast a golden-brown exterior while remaining juicy and flavorful inside. Whether served as an appetizer for gatherings or as a main dish over rice, they make a fantastic meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I served Teriyaki Meatballs at a family gathering; the room filled with laughter and the aroma of that delectable sauce drew everyone in. They were a huge hit, vanishing off the platter in no time. This easy recipe is not only budget-friendly but a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests and your taste buds alike. Let’s get started so you can bring these delicious meatballs into your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory beef, tender pork, and zesty teriyaki creates a crave-worthy dish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive party, these meatballs are fun and visually appealing on a platter.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them on their own, over rice, or with toothpicks as a perfect appetizer.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to fit gluten-free diets with the right teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Offers a hearty base for your meatballs; lean cuts help keep them moist without excess fat.
- ½ pound ground pork: Adds richness and flavor; if you prefer, you can substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together; using room temperature eggs promotes even cooking.
- 1 large egg yolk: Enhances moisture and richness in the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Freshly minced provides a fragrant aroma; feel free to use garlic powder as an alternate if needed.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs: Gives a light, crispy texture; you can substitute with regular bread crumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce: Adds savory-sweet flavor; choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- ⅓ cup diced water chestnuts: Adds a lovely crunch; you can skip them if you don’t have them but they do enhance the texture.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Freshens up the flavors; you can replace with chives if you’re out of green onions.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds depth to the flavor; adjust according to your preference.
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce: Used for tossing meatballs before serving for that luscious glaze.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional): For garnish to make your dish look stunning.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional): A lovely finishing touch for texture and flavor.
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper will make cleanup a breeze.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground beef, ½ pound of ground pork, 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, ½ cup of panko bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, ⅓ cup of diced water chestnuts, 3 sliced green onions, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. You can mix these with your hands for better incorporation.
Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to gently form the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs. This ensures uniform cooking and makes it easier for serving.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little space between them to allow for even cooking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through. To check doneness, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are golden on the edges. Once done, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Toss with Teriyaki Sauce: Carefully toss the cooked meatballs in ½ cup of teriyaki sauce right on the baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with additional green onions and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for a delightful finish.
Serve: These delicious meatballs can be served immediately with toothpicks for easy snacking or over a generous bed of rice for a fulfilling main dish.
Storing & Reheating
Once your Teriyaki Meatballs have cooled, store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but refreshing them with a bit more teriyaki sauce can help!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your beef and pork are fresh to enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs.
- Use fully cooked meatballs as a guide for your baking as undercooked meat can pose health risks.
- Cold ingredients can hinder the mixing process, so always let your egg come to room temperature.
- To prevent dry meatballs, be gentle when mixing and forming, ensuring you don’t overwork the meat.
- For an extra touch, try mixing in a few crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or experimenting with different sauces.
Teriyaki Meatballs are truly a delightful dish packed with flavor and texture. With their easy preparation and impressive presentation, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and find the perfect combination suited to your palate! Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply form the meatballs and bake as directed.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times as needed.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. Additionally, the meatballs should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
What’s the best way to serve Teriyaki Meatballs?
Serve them hot on a platter with toothpicks for appetizers, or over a bed of rice for a main course. They pair well with steamed veggies or a side salad for a complete meal.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Lobster Tail in Irresistible Garlic Butter
- Baked Feta Pasta
- Cheesy Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions
- Pizza Roll-Ups
- Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Teriyaki Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 22 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Teriyaki Meatballs are a delightful blend of lean ground beef and pork, mixed with fresh garlic and doused in a rich teriyaki sauce. With simple preparation, they are an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic fresh is best
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup diced water chestnuts
- 3 green onions sliced
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, optional
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the meatball ingredients and gently mix until combined. Form 1 to 1 1/2 inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. Allow them to rest for 5 to 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Toss the meatballs in teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately with toothpicks or over rice.
Notes
For additional flavor, consider adding more minced garlic or ginger to the mixture.
These meatballs freeze well, making them great for meal prep or quick dinners later on.
Serve alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
