Easy Teriyaki Meatballs (30-Minute Recipe!)
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These Teriyaki Meatballs are hands down one of my favorite weeknight meals. They’re quick to whip up, with just 15 minutes of prep, and they’re a crowd-pleaser every time. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor from the ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The homemade teriyaki sauce brings everything together perfectly—it’s sweet, savory, and just a little bit tangy. I love serving them over rice with a side of steamed broccoli for a simple but satisfying meal. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that feels special without taking too much time or effort, which is exactly what I need on a busy day!
Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Meatballs
- Quick Prep Time: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy evenings when you need something tasty without a lot of hassle.
- Tender, Flavorful Meatballs: The combination of ground beef, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates meatballs that are juicy and packed with flavor—comforting but with a fun twist.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is made from scratch, so you get the full, fresh flavor without any of the artificial taste you get from store-bought versions.
- Family-Friendly: This meal is a hit with both kids and adults—it’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Versatile Meal: Serve these meatballs over rice with a side of veggies, or enjoy them as an appetizer for a party. Either way, they’re bound to impress.
Ingredients Needed To Make These Teriyaki Meatballs
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef
- Panko crumbs
- Green onion
- Egg
- Freshly grated ginger
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
- Milk
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Mirin
- Garlic powder
- Light brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Fresh ginger
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make These Teriyaki Meatballs
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Mix the meatball ingredients together gently until combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them in the baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs until golden and fully cooked.
- While the meatballs bake, make the teriyaki sauce by heating the ingredients together in a pot.
- Once the sauce thickens, add the cooked meatballs and toss to coat.
- Serve the meatballs over rice and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about a week. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and toss it with the freshly cooked meatballs.
How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?
To give your meatballs an extra kick, try adding more spices or a splash of soy sauce to the meatball mixture. You can also use ground turkey or pork for a different flavor, but beef gives the most classic taste in this dish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley could also brighten up the flavor profile if you’re looking for something fresh.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, turkey, or pork, you can swap out the beef. Just keep in mind that different meats may need slightly different cook times, so make sure your meatballs are fully cooked through before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
How do I reheat the meatballs?
To reheat, you can microwave the meatballs and sauce for a couple of minutes until heated through, or gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming them up.
Can I bake the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in advance. After baking, let them cool, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat the meatballs and toss them in the teriyaki sauce. This makes for a quick and easy meal on a busy night.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Equipment
- nonstick baking spray
- Medium-sized pot
- Whisk or spatula
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 16 oz ground beef 80/20
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- ¼ cup green onion finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger or ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup mirin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 medium garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp fresh ginger or ⅛ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko crumbs, green onion, egg, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, milk, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs light.
- Using a 2-tablespoon ice cream scoop, form equal-sized meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
Teriyaki Sauce:
- While the meatballs bake, combine mirin, garlic powder, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger in a medium-sized pot.
- Heat over medium-low, whisking constantly, for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the teriyaki sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve over cooked rice with steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition
These teriyaki meatballs are such a hit in my house, and I love how quick and easy they are to throw together. The tender meatballs coated in sweet, savory teriyaki sauce make for the perfect meal, whether you’re serving them over rice or just snacking on them by themselves. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is really simple to whip up on a busy weeknight. I can almost guarantee you’ll be making these more than once!
