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Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs feature tender ground meat combined with smoked turkey bacon, glazed in a luscious, sweet, and garlicky natural honey sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent for a glossy, sticky finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and customizable appetizer bursts with savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, perfect for family dinners, parties, or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based)
  • 3 oz smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup plant-based cheese, shredded (optional)
  • Salt, a pinch
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey (natural)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent (such as agar, pectin, or carrageenan)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Finely chop the smoked turkey bacon. In a bowl, combine ground meat, smoked turkey bacon, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, plant-based cheese if using, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and thoroughly until evenly incorporated without overworking.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into uniform bite-sized meatballs using your hands or a small scoop. Arrange on a tray or plate ready for cooking.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a light coating of oil. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the natural gelling agent until the sauce thickens into a shiny sticky glaze.
  5. Coat the Meatballs: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors and become sticky.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Keep the meat mixture chilled before shaping to ensure firm, tender meatballs.
  • Fry meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
  • Add the natural gelling agent gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor in the glaze.
  • Taste the sauce before coating the meatballs and adjust the honey or vinegar as preferred for sweetness or tang.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: sticky meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, smoked turkey bacon meatballs, quick appetizers, gluten-free meatballs, savory sweet meatballs

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/sticky-honey-garlic-meatballs/