Servings
Font
Back
Saucy Asian Meatballs
5 from 330 votes

Saucy Asian Meatballs

Saucy Asian Meatballs combine ground beef flavored with fresh cilantro, garlic, and ginger, baked into tender 24 small meatballs. They are glazed in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, garlic, and ginger, thickened with cornstarch. The balance of savory, mildly spicy, and sweet notes enhances the juicy beef while the fresh herbs add brightness. Baking the meatballs keeps them tender without frying. This dish works well as an appetizer or served alongside rice or noodles for a flavorful meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 293 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef 85/15, lean
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon ginger root minced, fresh
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative, reduced-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative, reduced-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce such as sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon ginger root minced, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper.
  2. Place the meatball ingredients (ground beef, cilantro, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil) in a medium bowl. Use your hands to combine them.
  3. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, each weighing about 20 grams.
  4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them until they are cooked through, for about 10 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the honey, hot sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  6. Heat the sauce over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens into a rich glaze. This should take 3-5 minutes. Turn the heat off as soon as the sauce thickens, but leave it on the cooling burner. Stir in the sesame oil.
  7. Using a large spoon or tongs, transfer the baked meatballs into the saucepan. Gently turn them in the sauce until well-coated.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and light.
  • If fresh garlic and ginger are unavailable, dried spices like garlic powder and onion powder can substitute.
  • Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat at 50% microwave power to preserve texture.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to three months for longer storage.

Nutrition Information

Serving 6meatballs Calories 293kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Sodium 724mg (30%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 293

% Daily Value*

Serving 6meatballs
Calories 293kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Sodium 724mg 30%
Sugar 4g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.