How to Make the Perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
Asian-American · Easy · 25 min · 10 servings
These tender juicy meatballs are coated in a glossy sticky honey garlic sauce that is sweet savory and absolutely addictive at any gathering. They come together quickly using frozen meatballs and a simple homemade glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Why this recipe works
This Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 245 calories with 14g 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 meatballs
- 0.33 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Meatballs
Place the frozen meatballs in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and heat the meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally until they are heated all the way through.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha until well combined. Taste the glaze and adjust the sriracha level to your desired spice preference before adding it to the pan.
Step 3: Coat and Caramelize
Pour the honey garlic glaze over the heated meatballs in the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky and glossy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving bowl or keep them in the skillet for a rustic presentation. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately with toothpicks on the side for easy grabbing.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free and lower sodium alternative
- sriracha → red pepper flakes or omit entirely for a mild family-friendly version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking the glaze at too high a temperature which causes the honey to burn and turn bitter
- Not stirring frequently enough during glazing which causes uneven coating and sticking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 245 calories, 14g protein, 18g carbs, 12g fat, 0g fiber.
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