These sticky honey soy meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory—juicy, tender meatballs coated in a glossy, sticky glaze made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner, elegant enough for entertaining, and absolutely addictive.
Serve them over rice, in lettuce cups, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, coating each meatball with irresistible flavor. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and will become a family favorite.
Instructions
Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.
Make the Glaze
While the meatballs bake, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir the cornstarch slurry and add to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
Coat the Meatballs
Transfer the baked meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over and toss gently until each meatball is evenly coated.
Serve
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or in lettuce cups.
Pro-Tips for Sticky Honey Soy Meatball Perfection
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can make them tough. Mix just until combined.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform meatballs that cook evenly, use a cookie scoop.
- Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking is easier, less messy, and yields perfectly cooked meatballs every time.
- Make the Glaze While They Bake: The meatballs and glaze come together simultaneously for a quick meal.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey for a sweeter glaze or more soy sauce for a saltier kick.
- Add Heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for spicy meatballs.
- Make Ahead: You can form the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freezer Friendly: Unbaked meatballs freeze beautifully. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
These Sticky Honey Soy Meatballs are sweet, savory, and absolutely addictive.
