Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes

These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-29T18:43:28.477Z

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines the warmth of garlic with the sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and savory flavor that tantalizes your taste buds
  • Juicy meatballs coated in a rich honey garlic sauce
  • Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings

Perfect for Any Occasion

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are not just a dish; they are a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any gathering. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together, a holiday celebration, or just a weeknight dinner, these meatballs will surely impress your guests. Their delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors makes them a versatile choice, suitable for both appetizers and main courses.

These meatballs can be served as-is or paired with rice, noodles, or even in a sub sandwich for a heartier meal. Their adaptability allows you to enjoy them in various settings, making them a staple recipe in your cooking repertoire.

Easy to Prepare

One of the best aspects of this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. The meatballs come together quickly, and the sauce is just as easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find that this recipe is user-friendly. It requires minimal prep and cooking time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Healthier Indulgence

While these Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are indulgent, they can still fit into a balanced diet. You can make them healthier by using lean ground beef or even substituting with ground turkey or chicken. This way, you get all the flavor without excess fat, making it a guilt-free option that everyone can enjoy.

Additionally, you can easily incorporate vegetables into your meal by serving these meatballs with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds color and variety to your plate.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Green onions for garnish

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and prepare for cooking!

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until well combined and shape into small meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the meatballs. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy your Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs, consider serving them with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious sauce, providing a satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures. You can also serve them atop a bed of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and healthy option.

If you’re hosting a party, these meatballs make an excellent finger food. Serve them on toothpicks with a side of extra sauce for dipping. This makes them not only easy to eat but also a fun and interactive dish for your guests.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their flavor and texture, it's best to store the meatballs and sauce separately if possible. This prevents the meatballs from becoming too soggy.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in short intervals until heated through, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can easily swap the ground beef for ground pork, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings a unique flavor profile that complements the honey garlic sauce beautifully.

For an extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. This will give your meatballs a spicy twist, balancing out the sweetness of the honey and making them even more irresistible.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

→ What side dishes pair well with these meatballs?

These meatballs go great with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Easy Home Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  4. 1 egg
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  8. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup honey
  2. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  5. 1 tablespoon water
  6. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  7. Green onions for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until well combined and shape into small meatballs.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the meatballs. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth.

Step 04

Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 18g