Gochujang Meatballs Appetizer - Instant Pot & Stove Top
User Reviews
5
Gochujang Meatballs Appetizer - Instant Pot & Stove Top
Description
These Gochujang Meatballs combine frozen mini meatballs with a sauce balancing spice from gochujang and sweetness from maple syrup and honey. The sauce is layered with flavors like garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and spices for complexity. Cooking options include simmering the meatballs in the sauce on the stove for 30 minutes or using an Instant Pot for sauté and slow cooking, which gently melds flavors over a couple of hours. Slow cooker use is also possible by layering meatballs and sauce for 2-3 hours on high.
The texture is tender as the meatballs absorb the sauce, which thickens slightly during cooking for a sticky glaze. Stirring occasionally ensures even coating and prevents burning when cooking on the stove. The method emphasizes temperature control to develop sauce bubbling and simmering without overcooking.
These meatballs are intended as a warm appetizer or snack, served directly from the pot or slow cooker. The menu flexibility and ease of reheating make them a convenient option for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Notes highlight that the Instant Pot slow cook temperature is lower than a traditional slow cooker, so the recipe uses sauté and slow cook modes to ensure frozen meatballs heat properly. WARM function helps keep meatballs ready to serve across cooking devices. A heavy-bottom pot on the stove retains heat longer once off the burner.
Ingredients
- 1 bag meatballs 20 oz Trader Joe's frozen mini meat balls, frozen
sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (add 1-2 tsp extra to make it more spicy)
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp garlic (chopped)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, add all the sauce ingredients and mix.
Stove Top
- In a thick bottom pot, add the sauce and cook on medium heat for few minutes until it starts to bubble.
- To the pot with sauce, add all a bag of frozen meatballs. Turn the meatballs to make sure everyone is covered by the sauce. Turn heat to medium-low and then to low once it starts to bubble. Simmer for 30 minutes. Turn over meatballs 2-3 times during.
Instant Pot
- In the instant pot, add the frozen meatballs then cover with sauce. Stir until meatballs are evenly coated. Cover with a glass lid (no pressure cooking needed) and select SAUTE function and press adjust to select LESS heat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes then turn off. Select SLOW COOK function and choose MORE temperature then cook for 2 hrs. Switch to WARM setting to serve.
Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- If using a slow cooker, you can simply add the meatballs and sauce and cook. First, stir until meatballs are evenly coated. Heat 2-3 hours on HIGH, stirring after 1 hour. Switch slow cooker to warm setting to serve.
Notes
- Use Instant Pot's SAUTE followed by SLOW COOK functions to properly heat frozen meatballs since its slow cook is cooler than a regular slow cooker.
- Maintain warmth prior to serving by using the WARM setting on the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
- On the stovetop, use a heavy-bottom pot to help keep meatballs warm after cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 368 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 368kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 381mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 406mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 11IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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