Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are the kind of dish that instantly grabs attention — rich, savory, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness. They bring a bold flavor profile with a tangy twist, making every bite irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer at a casual gathering or as a satisfying main course, these meatballs strike the perfect balance between comfort food and flavor-packed indulgence. Their glossy, aromatic sauce and tender texture make them a reliable favorite for busy weeknights and festive occasions alike.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key to irresistibly juicy meatballs begins with quality ground beef. Opt for a blend with a bit of fat—around 80/20 ratio—to ensure tenderness and flavor without becoming overly greasy. The breadcrumbs act as a binding agent while absorbing moisture, keeping the meatballs from drying out. Egg provides structure, helping the mixture hold its shape during baking.
Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and finely chopped onion add a rich umami depth and a gentle sweetness that complements the meat. A touch of finely chopped green onion brings brightness, while salt and pepper enhance the overall seasoning. Sesame seeds add a finishing touch with a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
The honey garlic sauce is where this recipe truly shines. The combination of soy sauce and rice vinegar brings a savory tang, while brown sugar and liquid honey offer a sticky sweetness that clings to every bite. Minced garlic introduces a punch of bold, aromatic flavor, and the cornstarch-water slurry thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze that envelops each meatball perfectly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Start by preparing the meatball mixture. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, green onions, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture—this can lead to dense, tough meatballs instead of light, tender ones.
Form the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and the perfect bite. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow air circulation. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The outer layer should be golden and slightly crisp, locking in the juiciness inside.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, cornstarch, and water until smooth and well combined. Transfer this mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken into a luscious, sticky glaze.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and toss until each one is thoroughly coated. Let them simmer briefly in the pan to soak in the flavors. Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving.
Recipe Tips
Achieving the ideal meatball texture without overmixing:
Gently fold the ingredients together using your hands or a fork. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are evenly combined to avoid compacting the meat.
Keeping meatballs from sticking during baking:
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with oil. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
Sauce consistency tips: how to fix a sauce that’s too thick or too thin:
If the sauce is overly thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two to reduce and thicken.
Doubling the recipe for gatherings or meal prep:
This recipe scales beautifully. Simply double the ingredient quantities and use two baking trays to accommodate a larger batch. Store extra portions in airtight containers for easy reheating.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These sticky meatballs are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice creates a comforting, neutral base that allows the sauce to shine. Fried rice adds extra texture and layers of flavor for a heartier option.
For vegetables, think stir-fried bok choy, crisp snap peas, or garlicky sautéed broccoli—each offering freshness that complements the richness of the meatballs. Transform this dish into a full meal by serving the meatballs over noodle bowls or tucked into wraps and sliders with a touch of crisp greens. For extra flavor contrast, offer a small dish of chili garlic sauce, soy dipping sauce, or even a drizzle of sesame oil on the side.
Creative Variations
For a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with chicken or turkey—both absorb the sauce well and offer a leaner profile. For plant-based alternatives, use lentil-mushroom mixtures or meatless ground blends.
Add heat with a dash of chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spoonful of sriracha stirred into the sauce. For a tropical spin, try a teriyaki-style variation by incorporating pineapple juice and a pinch of ground ginger into the sauce.
Textural contrast can also elevate the dish—top with crispy fried shallots or crushed roasted peanuts for added crunch and a nutty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and reheat?
Yes, the meatballs can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat them in the sauce on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
What’s the best way to freeze and store leftovers?
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in sauce.
Can I cook the meatballs in an air fryer instead of baking?
Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
How do I keep the meatballs moist during reheating?
Reheat them gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth or extra sauce to keep them from drying out.
Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs offer a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors wrapped in a comforting, hearty dish. Simple to prepare yet endlessly versatile, they’re a go-to favorite for any occasion—from casual dinners to party platters. With a sticky glaze that clings to every bite and layers of flavor in every forkful, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb. ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
⅓ cup finely chopped onion
1 egg
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons liquid honey
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ tablespoon cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy release and minimal cleanup. Lightly brush or spray the parchment with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green onions, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together cohesively.
Scoop out about two spoonfuls of the beef mixture per portion and roll into meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. Whisk the mixture until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Pour the mixture into a shallow saucepan and bring it to medium heat. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a rich, glossy glaze.
Serve:
Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently toss to coat each one generously with the sticky honey garlic sauce. Once evenly glazed, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot, either as a standalone dish or accompanied by steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a heartier meal.
Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons liquid honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy release and minimal cleanup. Lightly brush or spray the parchment with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green onions, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together cohesively.
- Scoop out about two spoonfuls of the beef mixture per portion and roll into meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. Whisk the mixture until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow saucepan and bring it to medium heat. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a rich, glossy glaze.
Serve:
- Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently toss to coat each one generously with the sticky honey garlic sauce. Once evenly glazed, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot, either as a standalone dish or accompanied by steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a heartier meal.
