Go Back
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make sticky honey garlic meatballs, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Ground chicken or turkey works best for a lean option. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, while Parmesan adds a nice flavor. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and taste. An egg is essential for binding. Garlic powder and onion powder give depth. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - 1/2 cup honey - 1/3 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening) The sauce is the star of the dish. Honey adds sweetness, making the meatballs sticky. Soy sauce brings umami and saltiness. Minced garlic and fresh ginger make it aromatic. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Finally, cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce, giving it a nice glaze. This combination creates a balance of sweet and savory that makes these meatballs irresistible! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground chicken or turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough. - Shaping the meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. - Positioning on the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the sheet, leaving some space between them so they can cook properly. - Preheating the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will give your meatballs a nice golden color. - Baking time and appearance: Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should become golden brown and cooked all the way through. You can check by cutting one open; it should be no longer pink. - Combining sauce ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together 1/2 cup of honey, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. This sauce packs a flavor punch! - Simmering and thickening the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Then, lower the heat. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this mixture into the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. - Tossing the meatballs in the sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan. Gently toss them in the honey garlic sauce until they are well-coated. Let them cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. To make the best meatballs, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the meatballs can turn tough. Just mix until everything is combined. This keeps them soft and juicy. For even cooking, shape your meatballs to about one inch wide. This size helps them bake evenly. Place them on a lined baking sheet with some space between. This allows heat to circulate properly. You can adjust the sauce to fit your taste. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For saltiness, add a bit more soy sauce. Taste as you go to find the right balance. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like red pepper flakes or black pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add a nice touch. Experiment with what you like for a unique taste. Serve your meatballs on a nice platter. Add extra chopped parsley and sesame seeds for color. This makes the dish pop and look appetizing. You can drizzle some extra sauce over the meatballs for a glossy look. Use toothpicks to make it easy for guests to enjoy. This simple step makes serving fun and neat. Pro Tips Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced varieties. Don't overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure they remain tender. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute with a sugar alternative. Garnish for flair: Adding sesame seeds and additional parsley not only enhances presentation but also adds texture to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the meat in this recipe. Ground beef or pork works well. They add their own rich flavors to the meatballs. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed. For those who prefer plant-based options, try using lentils or chickpeas. There are great vegan meatball recipes that mimic the texture of meat. They often use ingredients like tofu or beans. You won’t miss the meat at all! The sauce is where you can get creative. If you like heat, add some chili flakes or sriracha. This will give your meatballs a sweet and spicy kick. You can also swap honey for maple syrup for a different taste. Another fun option is to use teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce. Each gives a unique twist that keeps things exciting. Just remember to balance the flavors to suit your taste. For best results, store your sticky honey garlic meatballs properly. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a shallow container. You can also use a zip-top bag. - Refrigerating meatballs: Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the container is airtight to keep them fresh. - Freezing meatballs and sauce: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your meatballs later, reheating them well is key. Use these best methods to keep the flavor. - Best methods to reheat: The oven is ideal for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and warm them for about 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - How to maintain flavor and texture: If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish. This helps keep the moisture in. For the oven, add a bit of sauce on top before warming. This adds flavor and keeps them juicy. Yes, you can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. You can mix the meatball ingredients and shape them. Place the raw meatballs on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight. On cooking day, bake them as directed. This saves time and effort when you’re ready to eat. Cooked sticky honey garlic meatballs stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They freeze well for up to three months, which is great for meal prep. Yes, you can easily swap ingredients based on your taste. Use ground beef or pork instead of chicken or turkey. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you're dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Be creative! Sticky honey garlic meatballs go well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots These sides help balance the sweet flavor of the meatballs. To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the honey. You can add more soy sauce to balance the flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar, like rice vinegar, can also help. This adds tanginess and makes the sauce less sweet while keeping it flavorful. You learned how to make delicious sticky honey garlic meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, from ground chicken to flavorful sauces. I shared steps for mixing and baking meatballs perfectly. You now have tips for enhancing flavors and creative variations. Don’t forget the storage info to keep them fresh! These meatballs are easy to customize, making them fun for everyone. Enjoy experimenting and serving a dish that pleases all tastes. Happy cooking!

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly one inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are well-coated.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve with additional chopped parsley and sesame seeds for garnish.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, meatballs, turkey