Introduction
These Teriyaki Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze. Paired with a creamy sesame-ginger dipping sauce, they make the perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner. The savory-sweet balance, with a hint of heat and umami, turns these simple meatballs into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a beef/pork blend)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Teriyaki Glaze
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional but ideal)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Sesame-Ginger Cream Dip
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- A few drops of sriracha (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Extra teriyaki drizzle
Instructions & Methods
1. Make the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix gently until combined—avoid over-working the meat.
- Shape into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
2. Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, mirin, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until thickened and glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Sesame-Ginger Cream Dip
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream/Greek yogurt, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, honey, and sesame seeds.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or sriracha for heat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Combine and Serve
- Place the baked meatballs into a bowl and pour the teriyaki glaze over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve warm with the sesame-ginger cream dip on the side.
Enjoy!
These Teriyaki Meatballs with Sesame-Ginger Cream Dip are crowd-pleasing, easy to prepare, and bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or dinner with rice or noodles.