Teriyaki Beef Meatballs

Name: Teriyaki Beef Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup mirin; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Highlighted under: Culture Inspired Recipes

I can’t help but smile when I think of these Teriyaki Beef Meatballs. Inspired by a love for Japanese cuisine, I’ve crafted a recipe that combines savory beef with a sweet, tangy teriyaki glaze. Each meatball is tender and bursting with flavor, making them perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. I love the balance of textures, and the glaze adds a shiny finish that’s appealing. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are always a hit at gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-30T20:46:27.856Z

Creating these Teriyaki Beef Meatballs was a delightful challenge that pushed me to perfect the teriyaki sauce from scratch. I wanted to highlight the umami flavors of the beef while balancing the sweetness of the glaze. After several trials, I landed on the perfect mix of soy sauce, ginger, and honey that complemented the tender meatballs beautifully.

One specific tip I discovered is to let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking before plating. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the overall flavor. Trust me, it's a game-changer for texture!

Why You'll Love These Meatballs
Sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that tantalizes your taste buds
Juicy beef meatballs with a perfect blend of spices
Easy to make at home for any occasion

Balancing Flavors

The teriyaki glaze for these meatballs is the star of the dish, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile that complements the juiciness of the beef. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates that classic umami taste, while mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth. To balance these flavors, make sure to mix the ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in your sauce. This step is crucial as the cornstarch thickens the glaze, resulting in a glossy finish that adheres beautifully to the meatballs.

Using fresh grated ginger and minced garlic in both the meatballs and the sauce enhances the overall flavor depth. These aromatic ingredients not only add a welcome kick but also contribute to the dish's fragrance when cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with ground ginger and garlic powder, but fresh ingredients do make a noticeable difference in terms of flavor complexity. Don't forget to let the sauce simmer until it has thickened properly; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.

Technique Tips

When forming the meatballs, keep your hands slightly moist to prevent the meat from sticking. Roll each ball gently to avoid compressing the meat, which can result in dense meatballs. Aim for a size of about 1-inch in diameter; this ensures even cooking. If you have leftovers, don’t hesitate to freeze the uncooked meatballs. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can go directly from the freezer to the oven without defrosting, but you may need to add an extra 5 minutes of baking time.

Baking the meatballs is not only healthier but also helps maintain their shape. If you prefer a crispy exterior, consider broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; look for golden-brown edges and a firm texture. This method gives the meatballs that desirable caramelization while ensuring the center remains juicy.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Teriyaki Beef Meatballs

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mirin
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix all meatball ingredients together and shape into balls.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until thickened.

Glaze the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

Serve

Serve the teriyaki beef meatballs over rice or with your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!

Pair with steamed rice or a fresh salad for the perfect meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, incorporate some chopped pineapple into the teriyaki sauce for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

These Teriyaki Beef Meatballs can be served in various ways to please different palates. For a complete meal, serve them over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, which will soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers and snap peas, for added color, crunch, and nutrition. If you're entertaining, set up a DIY meatball slider bar with mini buns and toppings like pickled jalapeños, shredded cabbage, and extra glaze for a fun twist.

If you're looking to keep things light, consider skewering the glazed meatballs with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh salad option. This not only makes for a visually appealing dish but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs. Drizzle with a little extra teriyaki sauce or a sesame dressing for a delightful finish.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftover Teriyaki Beef Meatballs, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave them in short intervals, stirring often to ensure even heating. Just remember to add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to keep them moist during reheating.

If you find that the teriyaki glaze has thickened too much after refrigeration, add a small splash of water or chicken broth while reheating. This will help bring it back to the desired consistency. Always taste before serving, as reheating can sometimes dull the flavors; you may want to adjust with a touch more honey or soy sauce to restore that vibrant taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter option, but adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster.

→ How can I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, and consider adding a little milk to keep them moist.

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Just cook straight from frozen when needed.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.