How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Meatballs
Asian-American Fusion · Easy · 35 min · 12 servings
These sticky and irresistible honey garlic meatballs are a surefire potluck hit that works equally well as an appetizer or a main dish over rice. It is made with a simple four-ingredient glaze that transforms store-bought or homemade meatballs into something extraordinary.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 32 oz frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
- 0.5 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 whole green onions sliced for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the frozen meatballs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, and two tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Coat the Meatballs
Transfer the baked meatballs to a large bowl and pour the warm honey garlic glaze over them. Toss vigorously until every meatball is evenly and generously coated with the sticky glaze.
Step 4: Transfer and Garnish
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a slow cooker set on warm to keep them hot throughout the potluck. Garnish with sliced green onions and provide toothpicks for easy serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- frozen beef meatballs → turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not cooking the glaze long enough which makes it too thin to properly coat the meatballs
- Overcrowding the meatballs on the baking sheet which causes them to steam instead of brown
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 16g protein, 24g carbs, 13g fat, 0g fiber.
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