Teriyaki Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy main course, offering a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every tender, juicy bite. This recipe simplifies the process by utilizing the slow cooker, which not only makes the meatballs incredibly hands-off but also allows them to simmer gently in the homemade teriyaki sauce until they are infused with its rich, glossy goodness. The meatballs themselves are a classic blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatics, creating a perfectly textured base that holds up beautifully to the slow cooking process. The sauce, made from a balanced combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and ginger, reduces and thickens right in the cooker, clinging to each meatball for maximum flavor in every single forkful.
What sets this dish apart is the depth and authenticity of its homemade teriyaki sauce. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly salty or syrupy, this sauce strikes a perfect balance, with the honey and brown sugar providing a caramelized sweetness that complements the salty soy sauce, while the rice vinegar and fresh ginger add a subtle tang and warmth that elevate the entire dish. As the meatballs cook low and slow, they become exceptionally tender while the sauce thickens into a beautiful, sticky glaze. The final garnish of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a fresh, colorful finish and a slight nutty crunch. Whether served over a bed of steamed rice with a side of vegetables for a complete meal or speared with toothpicks as an appetizer, these Teriyaki Meatballs are a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Simply mix, shape, and let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s a truly set-it-and-forget-it meal that is perfect for busy days.
- Perfectly Balanced Homemade Sauce: The from-scratch teriyaki sauce is far superior to any bottled alternative, with the ideal blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, over rice for a main course, or even in a sub roll for a delicious sandwich.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: The familiar and beloved flavors make this a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for parties and potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion the meat mixture and roll it into small, uniform balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This size ensures they cook through evenly and are perfect for popping in your mouth.
Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger until the sugar has dissolved. In a small separate dish, create a slurry by stirring the tablespoon of cornstarch with the tablespoon of water until it is completely smooth. Whisk this cornstarch slurry into the soy sauce mixture.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place the formed raw meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker insert. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the top, gently shaking the cooker or using a spoon to ensure all the meatballs are coated.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, give the meatballs a very gentle stir to coat them in the thickened sauce. Transfer them to a serving platter and spoon any extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh, finished look. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- For a Crispier Exterior: For more texture, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds extra flavor and a slightly firmer crust.
- Prevent Sticking: For easier cleanup, you can use a slow cooker liner or lightly spray the insert with cooking spray before adding the meatballs.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, simply double the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, ginger, cornstarch, and water).
- Meat Variations: This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a different flavor profile.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Freezing: Cooled meatballs and sauce freeze very well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Teriyaki Meatballs are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor, delivering a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Their tender texture and irresistible glossy sauce make them a timeless classic you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy
