Saucy Sesame Meatballs Recipe
Wondering how to turn simple ingredients into a showstopping meal? Let Saucy Sesame Meatballs be your delicious answer! Juicy bites of chicken or turkey are baked until golden, then tumbled into a lusciously sticky sesame-soy glaze. Each little meatball is infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and green onion, making this dish burst with sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Whether you serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or pile them high over steamed rice, Saucy Sesame Meatballs promise maximum flavor with minimal fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real magic of Saucy Sesame Meatballs lies in using ordinary ingredients that come together in the most extraordinary way. Every item on this list contributes unique flavor and texture, combining to create tender meatballs and a shiny, crave-worthy sauce you’ll be tempted to eat by the spoonful.
- Ground chicken or turkey: This lean meat makes for lighter, tender meatballs that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs moist and gives them structure, preventing them from falling apart.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold together perfectly from oven to plate.
- Green onions: Brings a pop of color and mild onion flavor for freshness in every bite.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic zing that’s classic in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Fresh ginger: Lively and peppery, it gives the meatballs their signature warmth and punch.
- Soy sauce: Lends both seasoning and rich umami, making every bite savory and more-ish.
- Sesame oil: Nutty and fragrant, a little goes a long way in making the flavors pop.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (for the sauce): The main base for the sticky glaze—choose low-sodium to control seasoning.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds gentle sweetness and helps the sauce thicken into a glossy coating.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens up the sauce with tangy lift.
- Hoisin sauce: Boosts the glaze with a sweet-savory depth and a hint of five-spice.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce for that signature cling-to-the-meatball texture.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish and subtle crunch that perfectly fits the sesame theme.
- Sliced green onions: An extra touch of freshness that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
- Steamed rice or noodles: The ideal fluffy or slurpable base for soaking up every drop of sauce.
How to Make Saucy Sesame Meatballs
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently—your aim is for everything to be evenly incorporated, but not to overwork the meat, which keeps the Saucy Sesame Meatballs juicy and light.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatballs
Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs—you should get about 20, give or take. Arrange these on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between each so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and just starting to brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is your first reward!
Step 3: Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame oil—in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir as it thickens (about 1 to 2 minutes). The sauce should go from thin to glossy in no time, ready to embrace those meatballs.
Step 4: Toss and Coat the Meatballs
Pull the golden baked meatballs from the oven and gently toss them in the thickened sesame sauce, making sure each one is lavishly coated. The glossy finish is what makes Saucy Sesame Meatballs so inviting—don’t be shy with that sauce!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your saucy meatballs to a platter or directly over steamed rice or noodles. Shower with sesame seeds and extra green onions right before serving. This final touch adds crunch, freshness, and a restaurant-worthy look that makes the whole dish irresistible.
How to Serve Saucy Sesame Meatballs
Garnishes
For the finishing flair, sprinkle Saucy Sesame Meatballs with a generous handful of sesame seeds and lots of fresh, sliced green onions. These not only make the meatballs look gorgeous but also offer a satisfying nutty crunch and an extra layer of zippy flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
Saucy Sesame Meatballs love to take center stage alongside a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a tangle of noodles to catch every last drop of sauce. For something extra, serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw. Each option adds color and turns your meal into a balanced feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to make dinner a little more fun (or feed a crowd)? Try skewering Saucy Sesame Meatballs appetizer-style for parties, tucking them into lettuce wraps for a lighter bite, or piling them into bao buns with crunchy veggies for a playful twist. These meatballs are as versatile as they are tasty, so let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few meatballs left? Simply transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight, and the sauce keeps everything tender and juicy.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Saucy Sesame Meatballs cool completely, then arrange them (sauce and all) in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep happily for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Gently reheat the meatballs and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce looks too thick, whisk in a splash of water until it’s just right. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! Saucy Sesame Meatballs are fantastic with ground beef or pork—just be aware that higher-fat meats may release a little more grease. If switching up the protein, keep an eye on baking time and expect slightly richer flavor.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce and hoisin sauce are both certified gluten-free. Everything else in Saucy Sesame Meatballs is naturally gluten-free, so a quick substitution or two makes this dish accessible to everyone.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! Stir a squirt of sriracha, a pinch of chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil into the sauce for a spicy kick that plays perfectly with the sweet and savory notes.
What’s the best way to shape the meatballs evenly?
A small cookie scoop or even a tablespoon measure will help you portion the meat mixture consistently, ensuring even cooking and a professional look. Dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking as you shape each Saucy Sesame Meatball.
Is it okay to bake the meatballs ahead and sauce them later?
Yes! You can bake the meatballs in advance and keep them refrigerate for up to two days, then warm them and toss in freshly made sauce right before serving. This makes Saucy Sesame Meatballs a stress-free option for busy nights or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s easy, impressive, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds, give Saucy Sesame Meatballs a try. One bite and you’ll see why this sweet-and-savory favorite is at the top of my repeat list. Happy cooking!
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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 delightful blend of flavors, combining tender ground chicken or turkey with savory Asian-inspired seasonings, glazed in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. Perfect served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main 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 to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- For the Sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen.
- For a spicy version, add a dash of 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
