There’s something magical about the first time honey and garlic meet in a sizzling pan. The scent alone can pull the whole family to the kitchen. My love for honey garlic meatballs began one cozy evening when my nonna taught me that simplicity makes flavors shine. With just the right mix of sweet honey, savory garlic, and juicy meatballs, it quickly became a dinner classic. Whether you serve them as a quick appetizer or over fluffy rice, they always disappear fast.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sticky honey garlic meatballs strike that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. The glossy glaze clings to every bite, giving you that irresistible caramelized texture. They’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and work perfectly as both a main dish and a party favorite. You can also swap the protein for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. I’ve got a delicious honey garlic ground turkey recipe you’ll love. Plus, cleanup is minimal, making it a weeknight win that still feels special enough for guests.
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Honey Garlic Meatballs
Sweet, savory, and sticky honey garlic meatballs glazed in a flavorful sauce; perfect for weeknight dinners or appetizers.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Roll into evenly sized balls.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides.
4. Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and vinegar together in a bowl.
5. Pour sauce into skillet, simmer until thickened and glossy.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
You can make these meatballs ahead of time and freeze them.
For a lighter option, use ground chicken or turkey.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients
You only need a few pantry staples to make these juicy, flavorful meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
For another cozy comfort dish, check out my creamy brown sugar dijon chicken thighs.
How to Make these Honey Garlic Meatballs
Making these honey garlic glazed meatballs is surprisingly easy; no fancy steps, just delicious results.
- Form the meatballs: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into even-sized balls.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Combine and simmer: Pour sauce into the skillet and simmer until it thickens and coats the meatballs beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions before serving hot.
Serve these with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. For more quick skillet meals, you might enjoy my sticky garlic chicken noodles.
Tips and Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
- Bake instead of fry: For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then coat in sauce.
- Meal prep magic: Freeze cooked meatballs and thaw them in the sauce when needed.
- Switch the flavor base: For a creamy twist, try my garlic butter turkey tenderloin.
These small tweaks make the recipe flexible enough for every taste or occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the sauce until hot and glossy.
2. What goes best with honey garlic meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or roasted sweet potatoes.
3. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey works perfectly for a lighter version.
4. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The honey naturally caramelizes and thickens the sauce as it cooks.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs for another crowd-pleasing favorite.
Conclusion
These honey garlic meatballs bring warmth and comfort to every bite; just like the recipes passed down from my nonna’s kitchen. Sweet, garlicky, and perfectly glazed, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or party platters. They’re proof that simple ingredients, when handled with care, create something unforgettable.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
