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Savory Teriyaki Meatballs Easy Homemade Recipe with Crunchy Sesame Seeds

savory teriyaki meatballs - featured image

These savory teriyaki meatballs feature a glossy teriyaki glaze and crunchy toasted sesame seeds, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying texture. Quick and easy to make, they are perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean) or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly without overworking.
  2. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs, about 20 in total. Place them on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of neutral oil. Brown the meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened to a glossy glaze.
  6. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet or transfer to the saucepan with the teriyaki glaze. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through (160°F internal temperature) and coated in sauce.
  7. Toast sesame seeds in a dry small pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, shaking frequently to avoid burning.
  8. Transfer meatballs to a serving plate, spoon extra sauce over them, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and optional green onions or cilantro.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Brown meatballs before simmering to lock in juices and add flavor. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water if too thick or simmering longer if too thin. Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking for maximum tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki meatballs, savory meatballs, sesame seeds, easy dinner, homemade meatballs, Asian-inspired, quick recipe