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Asian Meatballs


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
  • ½ lb ground pork (optional, for extra juiciness)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion the mixture and roll into evenly sized meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Cook the Meatballs

Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Air-Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.

5. Coat the Meatballs

Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6 people
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g