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Weeknight • Pork

Speedy Saucy Teriyaki Meatballs

Juicy, tender meatballs coated in a glossy, sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, ready in a flash!

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Speedy Saucy Teriyaki Meatballs

Meet your new weeknight hero: Speedy Saucy Teriyaki Meatballs! These aren't just any meatballs; they're quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and simmered in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that's way better than anything from a bottle. Serve them over rice, with steamed veggies, or even as an appetizer – they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef/turkey)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Serving (Optional)

  • Cooked rice
  • Steamed broccoli or green beans
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, panko, egg, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (don't overmix!). Form into 1-inch meatballs.

  2. Step 2

    Cook the meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. They don't need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and cornstarch until smooth.

  4. Step 4

    Simmer: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet (no need to clean it). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is glossy.

  5. Step 5

    Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice with a side of steamed vegetables.

Tips

  • To prevent meatballs from sticking, make sure your skillet is hot before adding them and don't overcrowd the pan.
  • The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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