How These Sweet & Sticky Teriyaki Meatballs Became a Family Favorite
The first time I made these Sweet & Sticky Teriyaki Meatballs, it was one of those nights when I wanted something fun and flavorful but didn’t feel like doing a lot of work. I had some frozen meatballs in the freezer and a few pantry staples for a quick homemade teriyaki sauce, so I threw them together and within minutes, my kitchen smelled like a cozy takeout spot. The glossy, caramelized glaze clung to each meatball, the balance of sweet and savory was spot-on, and everyone went back for seconds.
Now, these are one of my most-requested meatball recipes, especially for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. They’re perfect served over rice, tucked into sliders, or enjoyed straight off the baking sheet as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Print
Sweet & Sticky Teriyaki Meatball
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Tender chicken meatballs glazed in a sweet, sticky homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
Ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, green onion, garlic, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, cornstarch, sesame seeds.
Instructions
Mix and bake meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes. Simmer soy sauce, sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger; thicken with cornstarch. Toss meatballs in sauce until glazed. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Use beef, turkey, or frozen meatballs. Add pineapple for sweet and sour flavor, or serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These teriyaki meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. They take all the juicy, tender goodness of a meatball and coat it in a sweet, sticky, umami-rich glaze that tastes even better than takeout. It’s one of my favorite meatball dinner ideas because it’s so versatile you can use homemade meatballs or frozen ones, chicken or beef, and it always comes out perfectly.
They’re also a hit at parties. Pop them on toothpicks for easy bites or pile them into rolls for meatball sliders everyone will devour. And if you’re in the mood for another fun and flavorful dinner, try my Baked Bell Pepper Tacos they’re vibrant, healthy, and full of bold flavor.
Related Recipes
What You’ll Need in My Kitchen
For the Meatballs
• 1 pound ground chicken (or beef or turkey)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
How I Bring It All Together
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, I mix together the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, green onion, and garlic. I roll the mixture into small, even meatballs and place them on the sheet. I bake them for about 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, I prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, I combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. I bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it into a glossy, rich glaze. The moment it starts to bubble, the aroma of ginger and soy fills my kitchen it’s irresistible.
Once the meatballs are done, I toss them directly into the saucepan, coating each one until they’re beautifully glazed. I let them simmer for a minute or two so the sauce clings perfectly.
I like to serve them sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions, either over rice, with a side of veggies, or as bite-sized appetizers. They’re sweet, savory, sticky, and just the right amount of indulgent.
When I want a similar flavor in a quick meal, my Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki and Veggies gives me the same teriyaki satisfaction with minimal effort.
My Favorite Twists on These Meatballs
This meatball casserole recipe is endlessly flexible, and I’ve experimented with plenty of variations over time:
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers to the sauce for a tropical flair.
• Teriyaki Meatball Casserole: Layer rice or noodles in a baking dish, top with meatballs and sauce, sprinkle cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Swedish Meatballs with Frozen Meatballs: Use the same sauce with store-bought meatballs for a quick fusion twist.
• Teriyaki Noodles Bowl: Toss the glazed meatballs over teriyaki noodles for a full meal in one bowl.
• Game Day Appetizer: Keep them warm in a slow cooker perfect for parties or family nights.
If you love cozy appetizers like this, you’ll also enjoy my Cocktail Meatballs they’re another crowd favorite that never lasts long at gatherings.
Before You Take the First Bite
These Sweet & Sticky Teriyaki Meatballs have become one of my absolute favorite meatball recipes because they’re quick, flavorful, and crowd-approved every single time. The glaze is simple to make, the texture is tender and juicy, and the combination of sweet, salty, and savory makes it impossible to stop at just one.
They’re perfect for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining serve them with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies for a balanced, easy meal. And when I want to mix up the menu, I love making my Healthy Kung Pao Chicken for a spicy, tangy twist on classic takeout flavors.
