Saucy Sesame Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Saucy Sesame Meatballs! This recipe serves up incredible flavor in under 40 minutes, marrying juicy baked chicken or turkey meatballs with a sticky, savory-sweet sesame glaze that just begs to be spooned over fluffy rice or slurpy noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive (but easy) dinner for friends, Saucy Sesame Meatballs are packed with aromatic ginger and garlic, have just the right pop from green onions, and look truly show-stopping with a finishing sprinkle of sesame seeds. Once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in Saucy Sesame Meatballs has a purpose, whether it’s boosting juiciness, introducing crunch, or providing those bold, mouthwatering Asian-inspired flavors. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in—each ingredient has its own superpower!
- Ground chicken or turkey: A lighter choice than beef or pork, it creates tender meatballs that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: Ensures the meatballs stay juicy and hold their shape.
- Egg: The secret binder, helping everything stick together for a cohesive bite.
- Green onions (finely chopped): Adds a delightful crunch and a burst of color.
- Garlic (minced): Brings warm depth and unmistakable aroma.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Delivers vibrant, zingy flavor that takes the dish from simple to memorable.
- Soy sauce: Adds the essential salt and umami; both in the meatballs and the sauce for layered flavor.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that defines the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Gives you complete control over seasoning.
- For the Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Lets you keep the flavors robust without going overboard on salt.
- Honey or maple syrup: Brings the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Rice vinegar: Adds bright, tangy notes to make the glaze truly pop.
- Hoisin sauce: Offers a sweet-salty complexity that elevates the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Deepens the toasty richness of the glaze—don’t skip!
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens everything to coat each meatball luxuriously.
- For Serving:
- Sesame seeds: For crunch and extra sesame flair.
- Sliced green onions: Fresh, peppery bites to finish the dish.
- Steamed rice or noodles: The best base for soaking up all that extra sauce goodness.
How to Make Saucy Sesame Meatballs
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a large bowl and toss in your ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Gently mix until everything is just combined—the key is not to overwork it, so your Saucy Sesame Meatballs stay light and tender!
Step 2: Shape and Bake Your Meatballs
With slightly damp hands, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (you’ll end up with about 16). Arrange them evenly on your lined baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re cooked through with a lovely, golden finish. You’ll start to smell that delicious sesame aroma!
Step 3: Whisk and Simmer the Sesame Sauce
While the meatballs are getting cozy in the oven, combine all the sauce ingredients—low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil—in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking together a quick cornstarch slurry and adding it to the mix. Cook for one to two minutes until the sauce turns glossy and nicely thickened.
Step 4: Coat the Meatballs
Once your Saucy Sesame Meatballs are baked to perfection, transfer them into the pot of glossy, fragrant sauce. Toss gently until every meatball is completely coated—you want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
To serve, pile your rice or noodles onto plates or into bowls, top generously with the hot meatballs, and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Don’t forget that finishing sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions—those little pops make all the difference!
How to Serve Saucy Sesame Meatballs
Garnishes
A generous shower of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of bright, crunchy sliced green onions are the classic finishing touches for Saucy Sesame Meatballs. Both add extra texture and visually amp up your plate, making every serving look restaurant-worthy and absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
These Saucy Sesame Meatballs are right at home on a mound of steamed rice, but don’t be afraid to spoon them over stir-fried lo mein noodles or even alongside a vibrant Asian slaw. Consider a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy for a colorful, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try serving Saucy Sesame Meatballs as an appetizer—skewer them with toothpicks for crowd-pleasing party bites. Or nestle them in lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies for a fresh, lighter option. You can also make miniature versions for bento boxes or lunch meal prep!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Saucy Sesame Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge. Pack any extras in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors become even more savory and complex as they meld—sometimes leftovers are even better than the first round.
Freezing
Looking to get ahead on meal prep? Freeze fully cooked, cooled Saucy Sesame Meatballs (sauce included or on the side) for up to three months. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be ready for your future self on a busy night!
Reheating
Warm your refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently on the stovetop in a covered skillet with a splash of water, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts to avoid drying them out. The sauce will revive and coat the meatballs beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef or pork instead of chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! While ground chicken or turkey offers a lighter touch, Saucy Sesame Meatballs work nicely with ground beef or pork too. Just be aware that fattier meats may render a bit more oil and create a slightly richer result.
Is it possible to make Saucy Sesame Meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and opt for tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Double-check your hoisin sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re good to go for allergy-friendly deliciousness.
What’s the best way to keep the meatballs tender?
The secret is in mixing the meat gently and not overworking the mixture. Also, don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg—they’re both critical for moisture and keeping that perfect, delicate bite.
Can I add some heat to the sauce?
Definitely! To spice up your Saucy Sesame Meatballs, add a dash of sriracha, chili flakes, or even a little minced fresh chili directly into the sauce. Adjust the quantity until you’ve hit your ideal sweet-and-spicy balance.
How do I double the recipe for a crowd?
Simply double all the ingredients as written and bake the meatballs in batches or on two trays. The sauce is easy to multiply and comes together quickly. This dish is always a hit at gatherings, so don’t be shy about making extra!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as easy as it is irresistible, Saucy Sesame Meatballs deserve a spot on your table. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, this sweet, savory, and sesame-kissed dish is sure to become a repeat request. Give it a try—and prepare to fall in love bite after bite!
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Saucy Sesame Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Saucy Sesame Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, featuring tender ground chicken or turkey meatballs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. Served over steamed rice or noodles, they make a deliciously satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Steamed rice or noodles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Prepare sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Coat meatballs: Toss baked meatballs in sauce until coated. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen.
- For a spicy version, add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
