Description
These Sweet and Sticky Asian Meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender baked beef meatballs with a rich, sweet, and savory hoisin-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, they’re topped with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, served alongside rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup thinly-sliced green onions (white parts)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving
- Thinly-sliced green onions (green parts)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Rice, edamame, steamed broccoli, or other veggies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture. In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, white parts of the green onions, one large egg, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix well using a fork to ensure even distribution.
- Add Ground Beef. Add the lean ground beef to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently fold the mixture using the fork until the mixture is even but avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs. Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can gently roll them to smooth or leave slightly rustic.
- Bake Meatballs. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Sauce. While the meatballs bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add water, brown sugar, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Coat Meatballs in Sauce. Once meatballs are cooked, add them carefully to the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat the meatballs evenly. If excess fat was rendered during baking, pat meatballs on paper towels before adding to sauce.
- Serve. Keep meatballs warm over low heat while preparing sides. Serve meatballs with plenty of sauce over rice, edamame, steamed broccoli, or other vegetables. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions (green parts) and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Do not overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or avoid if serving children.
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excessive fat rendering during baking.
- Meatballs can be shaped rustic or smooth according to preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
