When it comes to a dinner that combines comfort, flavor, and a hint of indulgence, nothing hits the mark quite like a Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe. Imagine tender meatballs coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce, served over a bed of steaming rice with fresh vegetables on the side. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal for a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or even a meal prep favorite.
Not only will these meatballs satisfy your cravings, but they also deliver a flavor experience that’s irresistible: the sweetness of honey, the umami depth of soy sauce, and the aromatic punch of garlic. Whether you call them Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs, Homemade Honey Garlic Meatballs, or Asian-Style Honey Garlic Meatballs, one bite is all it takes to fall in love.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Tender & Juicy: Meatballs stay moist with the right mix of beef and pork.
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Sweet & Savory Flavor: Honey and soy sauce create the ultimate glaze.
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Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters love the sweet, tangy sauce.
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Customizable: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or sesame seeds for crunch.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
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Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice, noodles, or even in slider buns.
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Gluten-Free Adaptable: Swap soy sauce for Tamari for a gluten-free version.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
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400 grams baked or cooked meatballs (beef and pork mix)
For the Sauce
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½ cup beef or chicken stock
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1 Tablespoon corn flour (cornstarch)
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¼ cup honey
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¼ cup soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
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1 Tablespoon lemon juice (or rice vinegar)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
To Serve
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Steamed rice
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Steamed vegetables (broccoli, broccolini, pak choy, capsicum, carrots)
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Sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tip: Use high-quality honey for a more pronounced sweetness and natural depth of flavor. Corn flour ensures a glossy sauce without lumps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the beef or chicken stock and corn flour until smooth. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky sauce. Add honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Whisk until fully combined. Taste and adjust sweetness with a pinch of brown sugar if desired.
2. Heat the Meatballs
Place pre-cooked meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat. Heat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming. This step maintains the meatballs’ tender texture while preparing them for glazing.
3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice with your choice of vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the rice and meatballs for maximum flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Meatballs
How do you make meatballs extra tender?
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Use a mix of beef and pork for juiciness. Adding a small amount of milk or breadcrumbs can also prevent dryness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Absolutely! Replace soy sauce with gluten-free Tamari. Ensure cornstarch is also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
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Store meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
How to make the sauce glossy?
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Whisk corn flour into cold stock before adding hot ingredients. This ensures a silky, shiny finish.
Best Ways to Serve
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Over Steamed Rice: Classic pairing for maximum flavor absorption.
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With Noodles: Toss with soba or udon noodles for an Asian-inspired dish.
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In Sliders: Mini meatball sandwiches with extra sauce for parties.
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Appetizer Style: Use toothpicks for Honey Garlic Meatball Appetizers.
Related Recipes:
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Sugars: 10g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Sodium: 520mg
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Fiber: 2g
Tip: Pairing with steamed vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber without extra calories.
Storage & Leftovers
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Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in airtight containers.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 1 month.
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Reheating: Use a skillet over medium heat for even warming, adding a splash of water or stock if sauce thickens.
FAQs
Q1: How do you make honey garlic meatballs at home?
Mix pre-cooked meatballs with a sauce of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch. Heat until glossy and thickened.
Q2: Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, thaw or cook them directly in the sauce, adding extra time for even heating.
Q3: How long does homemade honey garlic sauce last?
Stored separately, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
Optional chili flakes add a mild kick. Omit for a sweeter version.
Q5: Can I make mini meatballs for appetizers?
Yes! Reduce cooking time slightly and serve with toothpicks.
Variations
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Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs: Bake instead of skillet-cook for a lighter option.
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Honey Soy Garlic Meatballs: Replace lemon juice with a splash of soy for a deeper umami flavor.
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Sweet and Tangy Meatballs: Add pineapple juice to the sauce for tropical sweetness.
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Asian-Style Honey Garlic Meatballs: Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a touch of ginger.
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Quick Honey Garlic Meatballs: Use frozen meatballs for a 15-minute dinner solution.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe is the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, these meatballs are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to pair with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.