Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Oh wow, let me tell you—these teriyaki meatballs are next-level good! Juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. They’re the kind of thing you make once and suddenly crave all the time.

I’ve tried a lot of meatball recipes, but this one? Total game-changer. It’s easy, super tasty, and works for dinner, meal prep, or even as an appetizer. Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce? So much better than store-bought!

Imagine biting into a tender, juicy meatball drenched in rich, glossy sauce. That perfect mix of sweet, salty, and umami? Yeah, it’s amazing. And guess what? You can make it in under 30 minutes!

So, let’s do this! Grab a few simple ingredients, and I’ll walk you through it step by step. You’re about to have a new favorite recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Yet Impressive: A simple recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results.
• Healthier Choice: Made with lean turkey and baked instead of fried.
• Bold, Balanced Flavors: A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami.
• Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers and reheat for easy lunches.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or in a noodle bowl.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings
This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, serving 4 people.

Difficulty
Beginner-friendly but packed with flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure a smooth cooking process, gather the following tools:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: To cook the meatballs evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Small Saucepan: For simmering the teriyaki sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
• Garlic Press or Grater: For fresh garlic and ginger.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Meatballs

These ingredients come together to create tender, juicy meatballs with a rich, flavorful teriyaki glaze.

For the Meatballs:

• Lean Ground Turkey: A lighter alternative to beef, keeping the meatballs moist and tender.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the mixture while keeping it airy.
• Green Onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Fresh Ginger (or Ground Ginger): Adds warmth and depth to the meatballs.
• Garlic Clove: Provides a savory, aromatic kick.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses the meatballs with a nutty, toasty flavor.

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• Light Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a subtle sweetness.
• Hoisin Sauce: Thickens the sauce and adds a rich umami flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, deep flavor base for the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Enhances the sauce with a hint of nuttiness.
• Garlic Clove: Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic notes.
• Fresh Ginger (or Ground Ginger): Brings warmth and complexity to the sauce.

To Serve:

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a delicate crunch and nutty flavor.
• Green Onion: A fresh, mild garnish that enhances the dish visually and in taste.

Variations for Teriyaki Meatballs

• Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, pork, or beef for a different take.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Extra Veggies: Finely chop carrots or bell peppers into the meatball mix for added texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the panko or replace it with almond flour.

How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these simple steps to prepare perfectly juicy meatballs coated in a rich teriyaki sauce.

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, green onion, egg, grated ginger, pressed garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.

2. Shape the Meatballs

1. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture and roll it into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking.

3. Bake the Meatballs

1. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
   • The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
2. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes while preparing the sauce.

4. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger.
3. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
   • If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the sauce.

5. Coat the Meatballs in Teriyaki Sauce

1. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
2. Pour the warm teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and toss gently until they are fully coated.

Serving and Presentation

Teriyaki meatballs can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve them on a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice, drizzled with extra sauce.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair them with sautéed bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a balanced meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
• With Noodles: Toss them with lo mein, soba, or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve them on skewers with a side of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

Garnish Tip: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving for extra texture and flavor.

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Store the sauce separately for best texture.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Warm the meatballs and sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Oven: Place meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatballs light and tender.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform meatball size for even cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and freeze uncooked meatballs for an easy future meal.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	280 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	12g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g
Sodium	550mg

(Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Teriyaki Meatballs FAQs

1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes! You can swap turkey for ground chicken, beef, or pork.

2. How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.

3. Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
Yes! Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the sauce while simmering.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Their balance of sweet and savory flavors makes them a family favorite. Whether served over rice, noodles, or on their own as an appetizer, these meatballs will bring delicious satisfaction to your table.