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These easy Teriyaki Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sweet teriyaki sauce. Serve them over rice for a quick family dinner or add toothpicks and make them an easy appetizer for parties, holidays, or game day.
“I love recipes that can work for more than one occasion, and these meatballs are one of those recipes I can serve on a busy weeknight or bring to a gathering with friends.”
-Becky
The sticky teriyaki glaze coats every meatball with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and a few shortcuts, creating so much flavor in every bite while still being perfect for parties, appetizers, or busy weeknight dinners.
If you love easy recipes for entertaining, you’ll also enjoy my Grape Jelly Meatballs, Baked Chicken Wings, Jalapeño Poppers, Creamy Ranch Dip, and Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Ground beef: Creates juicy, flavorful meatballs. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Help hold the meatballs together and keep the texture tender.
- Egg: Works as a binder so the meatballs keep their shape.
- Garlic and ginger: Add classic teriyaki flavor.
- Green onions: Add freshness and a little color.
- Soy sauce: Creates the savory base for the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Adds extra seasoning
- Optional: Sesame seeds: Optional, but they make a beautiful garnish before serving.
For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to see the recipe card below.
Variations
- Make them spicy: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for a little heat.
- Use frozen meatballs: Short on time? Use fully cooked frozen meatballs and toss them with the homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Turn them into appetizers: Skip the rice and serve them from a slow cooker with toothpicks for parties.
- Change the meatball: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, all ground pork or half pork and half beef.
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all of the ingredients together-gently just until combined. (Don’t overmix.)
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into bite sized meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- While the meatballs bake, pour the teriyaki sauce into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. When meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan.
- Use a spoon to gently toss in the sauce until they are evenly coated. Let the meatballs simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to lightly caramelize and cling to the meatballs. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Teriyaki Meatballs
- Wipe the grease off before transferring: Use a paper towel to wipe the grease of the meatballs before rolling them in the sauce.
- Don’t overmix the meat: Mixing too much can make meatballs tough instead of tender.
- Make them the same size: Even-sized meatballs cook more evenly.
- Let the sauce thicken: Give the teriyaki sauce time to simmer so it becomes glossy and coats the meatballs.
- Double the recipe: These are great for meal prep or serving a crowd.
What to Serve With Teriyaki Meatballs
Serve these meatballs with:
- steamed white rice
- fried rice
- noodles
- broccoli
- roasted vegetables
- lettuce cups
For parties, keep them warm in a slow cooker and serve with toothpicks.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cooked meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with additional sauce if needed.
FAQs
Yes. Make the meatballs ahead of time and store them separately or coated in sauce. Reheat before serving.
Yes. Frozen cooked meatballs are an easy shortcut. Warm them according to package directions and coat with teriyaki sauce.
Yes. Add cooked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and heat on low until warmed through. Keep on warm for serving.
More Easy Party Appetizers
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Teriyaki Meatballs
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, (I used 80/20)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into bite sized meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- While the meatballs bake, pour the teriyaki sauce into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
- When meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan and use a spoon to gently toss in the sauce until they are evenly coated. Let the meatballs simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to lightly caramelize and cling to the meatballs.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Wipe the grease off before transferring: Use a paper towel to wipe the grease of the meatballs before rolling them in the sauce.
- Don’t overmix the meat: Mixing too much can make meatballs tough instead of tender.
- Make them the same size: Even-sized meatballs cook more evenly.
- Let the sauce thicken: Give the teriyaki sauce time to simmer so it becomes glossy and coats the meatballs.
- Double the recipe: These are great for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These meatballs are great for a meal, or as an appetizer! And they are so easy to make!