Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe: Irresistibly Delicious and Easy
If you love bold sweet-savory flavors with minimal effort, these Teriyaki Meatballs are a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Juicy, tender meatballs coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce create a comforting dish that works as an appetizer, rice bowl topping, or family dinner centerpiece. The balance of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness makes every bite satisfying without feeling heavy.
This recipe is beginner-friendly and flexible. You can use beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives depending on your preference. Whether you bake or pan-sear the meatballs, they stay moist and flavorful. Serve them over steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables for a complete and delicious meal that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (about 16–18 meatballs)
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or chicken
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp oil (for cooking or brushing)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat a large skillet over medium heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape mixture into small golf-ball-size meatballs.
Place on a lined baking sheet and brush lightly with oil or prepare skillet with oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or pan-fry until browned and fully cooked.
While meatballs cook, combine soy sauce, water, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy.
Toss cooked meatballs in warm teriyaki sauce and serve hot with sesame seeds or extra green onions.
Tips
Use slightly fatty meat for juicier meatballs.
Avoid overmixing to keep texture soft.
Wet hands lightly to shape meatballs easily.
Bake on parchment for easier cleanup.
Adjust sweetness depending on taste.
Add chili flakes for gentle heat.
Simmer sauce slowly for deeper flavor.
Double the sauce if serving with rice bowls.
Let meatballs rest briefly before saucing.
Garnish with sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal.
Variations
Chicken teriyaki meatballs for a lighter option.
Turkey meatballs for lean protein.
Plant-based mince for vegetarian version.
Add grated carrot or zucchini for extra moisture.
Pineapple teriyaki meatballs with pineapple chunks.
Spicy teriyaki with sriracha or chili paste.
Gluten-free using gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
Air fryer version cooked at 190°C for about 12–15 minutes.
Teriyaki meatball sliders on mini buns.
Asian noodle bowl variation served over ramen or soba noodles.
Q&A
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate uncooked meatballs up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze them?
Cooked or uncooked meatballs freeze well for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or extra sauce.
What’s the best meat choice?
Beef gives rich flavor, chicken or turkey keeps it lighter.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, baking is easy and less messy.
Is homemade teriyaki better?
It’s fresher, customizable, and avoids excess sugar.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Add a little extra cornstarch slurry gradually.
Can I make it low sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce.
What sides go well?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles.
How do I keep meatballs from drying out?
Don’t overcook and include egg plus breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 620mg
Conclusion
Teriyaki Meatballs are a simple yet impressive dish that brings together savory depth and gentle sweetness in every bite. They are versatile enough for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers, and the homemade sauce gives you full control over flavor and ingredients. With easy preparation and flexible variations, this recipe can be adapted to suit different diets and occasions. Serve them fresh and warm with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers bold flavor without complicated steps.