Easy Glazed Asian Meatballs

Indulge in the delectable world of Asian meatballs. Discover flavorful recipes and tips for perfectly seasoned, tender bites. Elevate your appetizers today!

Satisfy your cravings and embark on a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Asian meatball recipes. From tangy teriyaki to fiery sriracha-infused flavors, these delectable bites will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Asia.

Our easy-to-follow recipes and expert tips ensure perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs that are bursting with umami goodness. Elevate your appetizers and impress your guests with these irresistible bites that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delicious weeknight dinner.

Unleash your inner chef and embrace the bold, aromatic flavors of Asian cuisine with our sensational Asian meatball recipes. Get ready to savor every bite and take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!

A bowl of Asian meatballs on a bed of rice.

Ingredients


Crafted with a harmonious blend of premium ingredients like succulent ground meat, aromatic herbs, fragrant spices, and authentic Asian seasonings, our Asian meatballs deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.

How to make Asian Meatballs

Create irresistible Asian meatballs with ease.

  1. Simply combine high-quality ground meat, aromatic spices, and traditional Asian ingredients.
  2. Shape into balls, bake or pan-fry until golden brown, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

  1. Choose the right meat: Opt for a combination of ground pork and ground beef for a balance of flavors and textures. You can also try ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  2. Enhance the flavors: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped scallions, and a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce to infuse the meatballs with authentic Asian flavors.
  3. Use binders: To help bind the meat mixture together, add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, along with an egg. This will ensure your meatballs stay moist and hold their shape.
  4. Test the seasoning: Before rolling the entire batch of meatballs, fry a small portion to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This way, you can ensure they are perfectly seasoned before cooking them all.
  5. Get creative with sauces: While traditional Asian meatballs pair well with sweet chili sauce or teriyaki glaze, feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces like peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or a tangy sesame-ginger sauce.
  6. Cook with care: To achieve a nicely browned exterior, either bake the meatballs in the oven or pan-fry them in a skillet with a little oil. Flip them gently to ensure even cooking and maintain their shape.
  7. Garnish for visual appeal: Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or cilantro leaves over the cooked meatballs to add a pop of color and freshness.
  8. Serve creatively: Besides being a delightful appetizer, Asian meatballs can be used in various dishes. Serve them over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a filling for bao buns or sub sandwiches.
  9. Make ahead and freeze: Prepare a larger batch of meatballs and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for convenient future use.

Recipe Variations

  1. Thai-inspired: Add a tablespoon of red curry paste, chopped fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to the meat mixture. Serve with a spicy peanut sauce for dipping.
  2. Korean-inspired: Mix in gochujang (Korean chili paste), minced garlic, and grated pear for a sweet and spicy kick. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  3. Chinese-style: Incorporate five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the meat mixture. Serve with a savory hoisin dipping sauce.
  4. Japanese-inspired: Combine miso paste, soy sauce, and grated daikon radish into the meat mixture for a unique umami flavor. Serve with a drizzle of ponzu sauce.
  5. Indian-spiced: Add garam masala, ground cumin, and chopped fresh cilantro to the meat mixture. Serve with a cooling mint yogurt sauce on the side.
  6. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute them with crushed gluten-free crackers or rice flour [paid link] to bind the meatballs.
  7. Spicy lovers: Kick up the heat by adding chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the meat mixture. Serve with a spicy sriracha mayo or hot chili sauce for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Appetizer Platter: Arrange the Asian meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or teriyaki glaze.
  2. Rice Bowl: Place the Asian meatballs over a bed of steamed rice. Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a complete and satisfying meal.
  3. Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the Asian meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves. Top with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a refreshing and healthy option.
  4. Bao Buns: Fill fluffy steamed buns with Asian meatballs, pickled vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The combination of soft bao buns and flavorful meatballs creates a delightful fusion experience.
  5. Noodle Stir-Fry: Toss the Asian meatballs with stir-fried noodles, such as lo mein or udon. Add your favorite vegetables, such as bok choy, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
  6. Sub Sandwich: Slice the Asian meatballs and layer them on a fresh baguette or roll. Top with sliced cucumbers, pickled radishes, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a delicious Asian-inspired sandwich.
  7. Party Skewers: Thread the Asian meatballs onto skewers alternately with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks. Grill or bake them for a fun and appetizing party snack.
  8. Soup Additions: Drop the Asian meatballs into a flavorful broth, such as miso or chicken, along with noodles, vegetables, and herbs. Enjoy a comforting and hearty pho soup.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the Asian meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for future use. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Q: Can I use different types of meat for the Asian meatballs? Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for a combination of ground pork and beef, you can certainly experiment with other meats like chicken, turkey, or even seafood like shrimp. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement the chosen meat.

Q: How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry? To ensure juicy and tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and do not overcook them. Overmixing can result in a denser texture, while overcooking can cause them to dry out. Follow the recipe instructions for cooking time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Q: What dipping sauces pair well with Asian meatballs? Asian meatballs go well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki glaze, peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or a tangy sesame-ginger sauce. Feel free to explore different flavors and find your favorite combination.

Q: Can I make the Asian meatballs gluten-free? Yes, you can make gluten-free Asian meatballs by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or substituting them with crushed gluten-free crackers or rice flour [paid link]. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as soy sauce or seasonings, are also gluten-free if necessary.

Q: Can I use pre-made frozen meatballs instead? While pre-made frozen meatballs can be convenient, making your own Asian meatballs from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. However, if you’re short on time, you can certainly use pre-made frozen meatballs and enhance them with Asian-inspired seasonings and sauces.

Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them? Yes, baking is a healthier alternative to pan-frying. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper [paid link] and bake them in a preheated oven at the specified temperature in the recipe until they are cooked through and nicely browned. Make sure to flip them halfway through baking for even browning.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine

  1. Riesling: With its crisp acidity and slight sweetness, Riesling pairs well with spicy and flavorful Asian dishes. It can balance the heat and enhance the aromatic qualities of the meatballs.
  2. Gewürztraminer: Known for its aromatic profile and slight sweetness, Gewürztraminer can be an excellent match for Asian meatballs. Its floral and tropical fruit notes can complement the flavors in the dish.
  3. Pinot Noir: If you prefer red wine, light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can work well. Look for one with fruity and earthy characteristics, as it can provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the meatballs.

Cocktails

  1. Asian-Inspired Mule: A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail combines ginger beer, lime juice, vodka, and a splash of Asian flavors like lemongrass or lychee syrup. The ginger and citrus notes can complement the savory and aromatic qualities of the meatballs.
  2. Sake Martini: A modern take on the classic Martini, substituting gin or vodka with sake, a Japanese rice wine. Opt for a dry or slightly fruity sake to balance the flavors of the meatballs.
  3. Thai Basil Mojito: This refreshing cocktail combines muddled Thai basil leaves, lime juice, rum, simple syrup, and soda water. The herbal and citrus elements can pair well with Asian meatballs, especially those with Thai-inspired flavors.
Asian Style Glazed Meatballs with Sticky Rice can use any meat combination you choose, pork,ground turkey, beef or chicken really anything goes.

Asian Style Glazed Meatballs with Sticky Rice

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
Asian Style Glazed Meatballs with Sticky Rice can use any meat combination you choose, pork,ground turkey, beef or chicken really anything goes.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 609 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 cup whole wheat panko crumbs
  • 1 tbsp. fresh minced ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 eggs , slightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup Hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium , soy sauce or Liquid Aminos
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 2- 1 inch rounds of sliced fresh ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. Sriracha sauce

Base & Garnish Ingredients

  • White Rice , medium grain (sticky) rice; cooked per the package instructions
  • thinly-sliced green onions , to garnish
  • sesame seeds , to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside.
  • In a large glass mixing bowl [paid link], combine all of the meatball ingredients. Mix until just combined as over mixing results in tough meatballs. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink in the center.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan [paid link], combine all of the glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and allow to simmer until it thickens slightly about 5-10 minutes. Remove sauce from the heat, take out the ginger slices and discard them. Then set the sauce aside aside while the meatballs finish cooking.
  • When the meatballs have finished cooking, stir them into the sauce. Coat well. Serve over sticky Asian style rice. Garnish with a sprinkling of green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
  • Note: This would also be a great buffet item or appetizer. Keep warm in a crock pot over low heat with both the meatballs and sauce combined or as an hor d’oeuvre on a bamboo skewer.

Nutrition

Serving: 5oz meatballs plus a portion of riceCalories: 609kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 31gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 573mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 89IUVitamin C: 3mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 3µgCalcium: 72mgFolate: 38µgIron: 3mgZinc: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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