Introduction
These Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and a touch of heat. The tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite — making them irresistible. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, over rice for dinner, or in sliders, they’ll disappear fast!
🧂 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (for heat; adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, soy sauce, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and parsley.
- Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat, or the meatballs will be tough.
- Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch wide) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until golden brown on all sides.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a medium skillet or saucepan, add honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and sriracha.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Combine
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Let them simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- For appetizers, place toothpicks in each meatball and serve on a platter.
💡 Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them — just add the sauce when reheating.