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Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs have emerged as a beloved dish in many households, captivating taste buds with their delightful combination of sweetness and savory richness. This recipe beautifully marries the traditional elements of Japanese cuisine with modern culinary techniques, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and festive gatherings. The appeal of these meatballs lies not only in their flavor profile but also in their satisfying texture—a perfect balance of tender, juicy meat encased in a slightly crisp exterior, all coated in a luscious teriyaki sauce.

Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs – A Meal Prep Favorite!

Discover the irresistible flavor of Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs! This delightful dish combines lean ground chicken or turkey with the rich, sweet, and savory notes of homemade teriyaki sauce. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these meatballs feature a crispy exterior and juicy interior, bringing a taste of Japanese cuisine right to your table. Pair them with rice and veggies for a wholesome meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or turkey)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch fresh ginger, grated

1 large egg

2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

To Serve:

Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Steamed broccoli or your choice of vegetables

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

      Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

          Form the Meatballs:

            Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.

              Bake the Meatballs:

                Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

                  Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

                    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

                      Thicken the Sauce:

                        Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.

                          Glaze the Meatballs:

                            Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over them. Toss gently until all meatballs are well-coated in the sauce.

                              Serve:

                                Serve your sticky sweet teriyaki meatballs over a bed of rice, accompanied by steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

                                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings