Name: Teriyaki Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ pound ground pork; 1 large egg room temperature; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tablespoon minced garlic fresh is best; ½ cup panko bread crumbs; 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce; ⅓ cup diced water chestnuts; 3 green onions sliced; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ cup teriyaki sauce; 2 green onions thinly sliced, optional; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Teriyaki meatballs are a fantastic fusion of flavors, blending savory notes of teriyaki sauce with tender meat to create a dish that’s deliciously addictive. These bite-sized beauties are not only a delight to eat but also easy to whip up, making them perfect for appeasing those cravings or serving at dinner parties. The best part? They cook up quickly in the oven, which means you can enjoy your favorite flavors without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Teriyaki Meatballs

When I first stumbled upon this teriyaki meatball recipe, I was amazed at how easily it transformed ingredients I usually had on hand into a crowd-pleasing dish. Juicy meatballs coated in a luscious glaze evoke childhood memories of family gatherings, with everyone gathered around the table eagerly reaching for more. They’re delightful appetizers or can even serve as a main dish over rice, providing versatility that’s hard to beat. I’m genuinely excited for you to make these simple, flavorful meatballs and relish every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish!
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze pairs beautifully with tender meat.
Fun Presentation: Juicy meatballs on a platter make for a perfect snack at parties or a cozy dinner.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, on rice, or even in a sandwich!
Family-Friendly: Kids love these meatballs; they’re perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound lean ground beef: A great base for your meatballs, offering a nice balance of flavor and texture. You could substitute with turkey for a leaner option.
½ pound ground pork: Adds richness and moisture that makes these meatballs tender. For a different flavor, try ground chicken.
1 large egg, room temperature: Acts as a binder, helping hold the meatball together while they bake.
1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness to the meatballs—don’t skip it for the best texture!
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant kick that brightens up the flavors.
½ cup panko bread crumbs: Achieves a lighter texture compared to regular bread crumbs, ensuring moist meatballs without being dense.
3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce: This gives the meatballs their signature flavor and a hint of sweetness.
⅓ cup diced water chestnuts: Introduces a delightful crunch and subtle flavor contrast.
3 green onions, sliced: Fresh greens add color and aromatic notes; they’re a must for garnish.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile; feel free to adjust to your taste.
½ cup teriyaki sauce (for tossing): A second dose of that delectable sauce creates a glossy coating for the meatballs.
2 green onions (optional, for garnish): Add these for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a nutty taste and crunch.

How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step is essential for ensuring perfectly cooked meatballs with a slightly crisp exterior.

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground beef, ½ pound of ground pork, 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, ½ cup of panko bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, ⅓ cup of diced water chestnuts, 3 sliced green onions, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.

Shape Meatballs: With your mixture ready, form the meat into 1 to 1½ inch meatballs. To keep things uniform, you can use a cookie scoop, ensuring each meatball is the same size which helps them cook evenly.

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your meatballs evenly spaced apart. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Bake Meatballs: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. They’re done when they’re thoroughly cooked and browned outside, indicating a beautiful, juicy interior. Let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this is key for keeping that moisture in.

Toss in Teriyaki Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large bowl with ½ cup of teriyaki sauce. Gently toss to coat them in that lovely glaze. This extra step not only adds flavor but ensures every bite is deliciously sticky.

Serve & Enjoy: Plate the meatballs and sprinkle with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for a pop of color and taste. Serve immediately, either with toothpicks for a finger food option or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store your teriyaki meatballs, allow them to cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 2 hours, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through; you can add a splash of teriyaki sauce to refresh their flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender—gentle hands work best!
Use room temperature eggs; they blend more easily with the meat mixture.
If you’re worried about uneven cooking, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they hit an internal temperature of 165°F.
Want to ramp up the flavor? Consider adding minced ginger for an extra kick.
Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them; they’re perfect for quick meals later!

These teriyaki meatballs offer a delicious blend of flavors that will please anyone at your table. Whether served as a snack, an appetizer, or a main dish, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household. I encourage you to experiment with the recipe, perhaps trying different proteins or adding your personal touch with spices. Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every morsel!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make teriyaki meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Using store-bought teriyaki sauce is perfectly fine! Just check the label for quality ingredients so that you get a sauce that matches the flavor you love. Homemade teriyaki sauce can be a fun alternative for people who prefer custom flavors.

What can I serve with teriyaki meatballs?

These versatile meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice, crispy vegetables, or even as a filling for sliders. They can also be served on their own as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks for dipping!

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

For a vegetarian adaptation, consider using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or a combination of finely chopped mushrooms and beans. Just adjust the seasonings to enhance their flavor, and you can still enjoy a deliciously unique take on teriyaki meatballs!