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To make tasty honey garlic glazed meatballs, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening) - Chopped green onions for garnish You can change a few ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some options: - Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner meatball. - Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats. - Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor. - Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Add finely chopped veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, for extra nutrition. Gather these tools before you start cooking: - Large mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Small saucepan - Whisk or spoon for mixing - Spoon for shaping meatballs - Knife for chopping green onions These ingredients and tools will help you create delicious honey garlic glazed meatballs. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the oven so your meatballs bake evenly. While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This paper keeps the meatballs from sticking. Next, we prepare the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix these well until they just come together. Don't overmix, or your meatballs may be tough. Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the lined baking sheet. Once you have them all shaped, bake them in the preheated oven. Let them bake for 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. While the meatballs bake, let's make the honey garlic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Heat this over medium heat. You want it to simmer gently. If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Add this to the sauce while whisking until it thickens to your liking. When the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey garlic glaze over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly. This step makes them shiny and full of flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed meatballs! To make the best honey garlic glazed meatballs, focus on a few key points. - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality meat make a big difference. - Don't Overmix: Mix the meatball mixture just enough to combine. Overmixing can make them tough. - Uniform Size: Shape meatballs to be the same size. This helps them cook evenly. - Baking: Bake meatballs on parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking and helps with cleanup. A thick glaze adds richness to the meatballs. Here’s how to get that perfect texture: - Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch with water. This helps to thicken the sauce quickly. - Simmer the Glaze: Heat the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar until it simmers. This reduces the liquid and thickens it naturally. - Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry until you reach the desired thickness. Honey garlic glazed meatballs are versatile. Here are some fun ways to serve them: - As an Appetizer: Serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. - Over Rice or Noodles: Pair with steamed rice or noodles to make a hearty meal. - In a Wrap: Place them in a tortilla with veggies for a tasty wrap. - Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. These tips will help you create delicious, eye-catching meals that everyone will love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the meatballs that pre-minced garlic cannot replicate. Chill the Mixture: Letting the meatball mixture chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape while baking. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste. Add more for a sweeter glaze or less for a savory kick. Serve with Skewers: For a fun presentation, serve the glazed meatballs on skewers as appetizers at your next gathering! {{image_2}} You can easily switch some ingredients to change the flavor of your meatballs. Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey for a leaner option. If you're vegan, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. For the breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. This choice can add a nice crunch. Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a savory taste. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. If you love heat, try making spicy honey garlic meatballs. Add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mix for extra kick. You can also mix in some sriracha or chili paste into the honey garlic glaze. This will give your sauce a nice balance of sweet and spicy. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Your guests will love this bold twist! You don’t have to bake these meatballs! You can also cook them on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. For stovetop cooking, brown the meatballs in a skillet first. Then, pour the honey garlic glaze over them and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This method gives a nice crust on the outside. If you use a slow cooker, place the meatballs in with the glaze and cook on low for 4 hours. This method makes them super tender and flavorful. To store leftover honey garlic glazed meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Label the container with the date you made them. This way, you’ll know when to eat them. If you want to keep meatballs longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Frozen meatballs can last for up to three months. To enjoy your meatballs again, you can reheat them easily. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Just place them on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Make sure they are hot all the way through before serving. You can serve honey garlic glazed meatballs with rice or noodles. They pair well with steamed veggies, like broccoli or snap peas. A fresh salad also adds a nice crunch. If you want more flavor, try serving them with a sweet chili sauce. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and bake them. After baking, let them cool. Then, store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve. To keep meatballs moist, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Use breadcrumbs to help hold moisture. Adding an egg binds the mixture and keeps it tender. Baking at the right temperature also helps. Avoid overcooking them to keep them juicy. Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. They will still turn out tasty. Just be aware that lean meats may need more moisture. You can add a bit of olive oil if needed. In this post, we covered how to make honey garlic glazed meatballs. You learned about the main ingredients, optional swaps, and tools needed. We also outlined clear steps for preparation, cooking, and glazing the meatballs. Key tips showed you how to achieve the best flavor and texture. Finally, we explored variations you can try and how to store leftovers. Now you can enjoy tasty meatballs anytime. Use these tips and enjoy cooking!

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
  • 1 bunch chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined.
  • Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • Make the Honey Garlic Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, in a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer.
  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk in the cornstarch mixture until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the honey garlic glaze over them. Toss gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
  • Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, meatballs