If you’re looking for a meatball recipe that’s bold, flavorful, and a little different from the traditional marinara version, this teriyaki meatballs recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy meatballs with a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze, this dish brings Japanese-inspired flair to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Perfect for winter dinners, lunch meal prep, or party appetizers, teriyaki meatballs strike the perfect balance between comfort food and exciting flavor. Whether served over rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or plated with stir-fried veggies, these meatballs will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or ground chicken/turkey
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1 egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
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¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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¾ cup water
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1 clove garlic, minced
Prep and Cook Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 20–25 minutes
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Total: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of sesame oil or neutral oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In the same skillet, add soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and ½ cup of water. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup water, then pour into the sauce. Stir until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer Together
Return the meatballs to the pan. Spoon sauce over each meatball and simmer for 8–10 minutes until they’re fully cooked and glazed in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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Over steamed jasmine or basmati rice with sesame seeds and scallions
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With stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or broccoli
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In lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb meal
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With noodles for a comforting Asian-inspired bowl
Serving for Special Occasions
Teriyaki meatballs are not just great for everyday meals—they also shine on special occasions. Serve them as appetizers at parties by making smaller, bite-sized versions. Place them on toothpicks or skewers and drizzle with extra teriyaki glaze. They hold up well on buffet tables and pair beautifully with other Asian-inspired dishes like vegetable spring rolls or sesame noodles.
For family-style dinners, present the meatballs on a large platter over a bed of rice with steamed broccoli or green beans arranged around the edges. A garnish of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a professional finishing touch.
Balancing Sweetness and Saltiness
One of the keys to a perfect teriyaki meatballs recipe is balance. Some prefer their teriyaki sauce sweeter, while others enjoy a more savory profile. If you’re making this recipe for the first time, taste the sauce before thickening and adjust the levels of honey or soy sauce to your preference. You can even add a splash of pineapple juice for a fruity twist or a teaspoon of miso paste for extra umami.
For a healthier option, substitute some of the honey with pureed dates or coconut sugar, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the salt content.
Making It Gluten-Free
If you or your guests follow a gluten-free diet, it’s easy to adapt this teriyaki meatballs recipe. Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce, and ensure the breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use almond flour instead. Always double-check the labels of sauces and thickening agents like cornstarch, as some may contain hidden gluten.
These simple substitutions allow everyone at the table to enjoy the rich flavor of teriyaki meatballs without compromise.
Nutritional Benefits
Depending on the meat you use, teriyaki meatballs can be both hearty and nutritious. Ground chicken or turkey provides a lean source of protein, while the sauce’s base ingredients—garlic, ginger, and vinegar—offer natural anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Serving them with steamed vegetables and rice creates a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs.
By making your own sauce from scratch, you also avoid the preservatives, excess sugar, and sodium often found in store-bought versions.
Teriyaki Meatballs as a Weeknight Hero
One of the best things about this teriyaki meatballs recipe is how well it fits into a busy schedule. The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and you can have a wholesome, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. The meatballs can even be shaped in advance and stored in the fridge, ready to be cooked when you get home from work or school.
The sauce takes just minutes to make, and the entire meal can be built from pantry staples. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular rotation in your household—especially once everyone asks for it again.
Making a Teriyaki Meatball Bowl
A great way to elevate this dish is by serving it as a full teriyaki meatball bowl. Build your base with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even soba noodles. Layer on the glazed meatballs, then add roasted or stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, carrots, or baby corn.
Top it off with sliced avocado, a soft-boiled egg, a handful of shredded cabbage, or pickled vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and finish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. It’s an Instagram-worthy bowl that delivers big on taste and nutrition.
Creative Leftover Ideas
If you have leftover teriyaki meatballs, there are endless ways to repurpose them:
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Chop them up and add them to a fried rice dish.
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Slice them into halves and use as a filling for Asian-style tacos or lettuce wraps.
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Reheat them in a bento box with edamame, rice balls, and tamagoyaki for a fun lunch.
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Toss them into a noodle soup or ramen bowl for a savory, satisfying upgrade.
These leftovers don’t just reheat well—they often taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Tips for First-Timers
If this is your first time making teriyaki meatballs, here are a few helpful tips:
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Don’t overmix the meat mixture—just combine until incorporated to keep the texture light.
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If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce reduce a bit longer or increase the cornstarch slightly.
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Taste the sauce before adding to the meatballs—you can adjust sweetness, saltiness, or acidity easily while it’s still in the pan.