Ah, Teriyaki Meatballs! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I whip these up, I’m transported back to family dinners where laughter filled the air and the aroma of something amazing cooking in the oven made everything feel right. I remember the first time I served Teriyaki Meatballs at a potluck; they disappeared faster than I could say “Yum!” I’ve tweaked the original recipe a bit, and now I can’t wait to share it with you!
What’s great about this recipe is its flexibility! You can use either ground beef or ground chicken—depending on your mood or dietary needs—so it’s super versatile. Plus, with that sweet and savory teriyaki sauce enveloping tender meatballs, it’s hard not to fall in love with every bite. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive right in!
What’s in Teriyaki Meatballs?
Ground Beef (or Ground Chicken): This is the star player, and I usually go for lean ground beef for that juicy flavor. If you’re aiming for something lighter, ground chicken works beautifully too!
Breadcrumbs: They hold everything together and give the meatballs a delightful texture. I love using Italian-style breadcrumbs for a flavor kick!
Parmesan Cheese: A little cheese never hurt anyone! It adds richness and a touch of saltiness. Make sure to grate it fresh for optimal flavor!
Green Onions: These are my go-to for that fresh, oniony zing. Plus, they look nice as a garnish, don’t you think?
Egg: A binding agent in our meatballs! It keeps everything together so you won’t have sad little meatballs falling apart.
Garlic: Ah, the secret weapon! Minced garlic not only brings depth to the flavor but also makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
Ginger: This adds a lovely warmth and slight spiciness that’s just perfect with teriyaki sauce. I always go for fresh ginger when I can!
Salt and Pepper: Carefully seasoning helps bring out all those delicious flavors, so don’t skip this step!
Teriyaki Sauce: Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, this sauce is the magic glaze that makes these meatballs shine. Homemade teriyaki sauce is a fun project if you’re feeling adventurous!
Sesame Seeds: These are purely for garnish, but they add a nice crunch. You can toast them lightly in a pan for extra flavor!
Skewers (Optional): If you want to serve these meatballs as appetizers, throwing them on skewers makes for an easy, fun presentation.
Is Teriyaki Meatballs Good for You?
These meatballs are packed with protein thanks to the ground beef or chicken, making them a satisfying meal option. The green onions and ginger boost the flavor profile while adding a few health benefits, too! Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s something I’m all about!
However, a couple of things to keep in mind: the teriyaki sauce can contain a fair amount of sugar, especially store-bought varieties, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, consider looking for low-sodium or sugar-free options or try my homemade version!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Optional: skewers for serving
This recipe serves about 4-6 people depending on the appetite!
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and hot while you mix everything!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended. (Your hands work great for this!)
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter should do the trick.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and have a lovely golden-brown color.
6. While the meatballs are baking, warm up the teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warmed teriyaki sauce to ensure they’re all coated and ready to serve.
8. Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for that beautiful finish.
9. If you’re feeling fancy, insert skewers into the meatballs for easy serving. Instant party vibes!
10. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Delicious Tips and Variations
Get creative, my friend! You can do a million things with these meatballs.
– Try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. I love the heat!
– Want to mix it up? Try using ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
– If you’re serving these for game day or a get-together, make small meatballs and serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
I absolutely cannot wait for you to try these Teriyaki Meatballs! They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun gathering. If you do give them a whirl, let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with joy and delicious aromas!
