Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
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It’s quick: ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Flavor-packed: the combination of honey, garlic, ginger, soy/tamari and a touch of chili flakes gives a balanced sweet‑savory kick with a hint of warmth.
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Flexible: you can choose ground chicken, turkey, or beef depending on your preference.
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Great for leftovers: meatballs over rice, noodles, or even a salad make for easy next‑day meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground turkey, chicken, or beef
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 green onions, chopped
Black pepper
1/4 cup avocado or sesame oil
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce (for the sauce)
1/4 cup honey
1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 1½ cups florets)
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
Chili flakes (to taste)
1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Directions
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In a bowl, combine the ground meat, 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, chopped green onions, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until just combined.
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Lightly coat your hands with oil and roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs. Dredge each in cornstarch to coat. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/3 cup water to make the sauce. In another small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry.
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet.
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In the same skillet, cook the broccoli until it begins to char slightly, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped ginger, and chili flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Return the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat. Once the sauce simmers, stir in the slurry. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
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Serve hot over rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, or microwave until warmed through.
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If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of water while reheating to loosen it.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free (most are by default).
Can I use ground pork instead of turkey/chicken/beef?
Yes, ground pork works well in this recipe and adds a slightly richer flavor.
What other vegetables can I use instead of broccoli?
You can use bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, or snap peas as delicious substitutes.
Can I make the sauce less sweet or less salty?
Yes, reduce the honey for less sweetness and cut back on the soy sauce or dilute it with water to reduce saltiness.
Are these meatballs good for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs without the rice. Reheat with a splash of water or sauce.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-searing?
You can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, though pan-searing adds more flavor and better texture.
Can I make the recipe spicier?
Definitely. Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to boost the heat.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Try rice noodles, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even a crunchy cabbage salad base.
How to get more sauce if I double the recipe?
Simply double the sauce ingredients and the slurry to ensure everything is well coated.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prep the meatball mixture and sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Conclusion
Honey garlic meatballs are a flavorful, easy dinner solution that combines savory protein, tender veggies, and a bold, sticky sauce. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or prepping ahead for leftovers, this dish delivers every time. It’s simple to customize, fun to make, and sure to become a family favorite.
