Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
In short: Pan-browned beef and pork meatballs coated in a sticky honey, garlic and soy glaze, great over rice or served with toothpicks at a party. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Sticky glazed meatballs work as dinner over rice and as party food on toothpicks. A mix of beef and pork keeps the meatballs tender, and panko soaked in water keeps them light. The glaze is just honey, soy sauce, garlic and a little vinegar, reduced in the same pan until it clings. Roll the meatballs small, about the size of a walnut, so they brown evenly and take on plenty of glaze. The recipe doubles easily for a crowd.
Instructions
- Stir the panko and water together in a large bowl and leave for 3 minutes. Add the egg, spring onions, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper, then the beef and pork, and mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into about 24 balls, each the size of a walnut (about 3 cm / 1 1/4 inches).
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in two batches for 5 to 6 minutes each, turning, then return them all to the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium, cover and cook for 5 minutes, until the meatballs reach 71°C (160°F) in the center. Spoon off any excess fat.
- Stir the honey, soy sauce, garlic and vinegar together, pour the mixture into the pan and simmer for 2 minutes, turning the meatballs to coat.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1 minute until the glaze is thick and glossy. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with rice and steamed vegetables.
Tips
- To bake instead of fry, arrange the meatballs on a lined tray at 220°C (425°F) for 14 to 16 minutes, then toss them in the hot glaze.
- For heat, add 1 tsp chili flakes or a spoonful of chili sauce to the glaze. The meatballs can be made ahead, with the glaze added just before serving.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze honey garlic meatballs?
Yes. Freeze them with the glaze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if the glaze is thick.
Can I use only beef or only pork?
Yes. All beef is leaner and a little firmer, while all pork is softer and richer. The mix gives the best balance.
What goes well with honey garlic meatballs?
Steamed rice and broccoli are the classic partners. They also work over noodles, or on toothpicks as party food.
How long does it take to make Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 21 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
