Teriyaki Meatballs
Sweet and savory teriyaki meatballs combine tender beef with a sticky, flavorful sauce infused with lemon teriyaki seasoning. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they appeal to fans of Asian-inspired flavors and hearty comfort foods, making them ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats or bread crumbs
- 2 (8 oz.) cans chopped water chestnuts ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lemon teriyaki seasoning ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 4 tsp. lemon teriyaki seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck, quick oats or bread crumbs, chopped water chestnuts, lemon teriyaki seasoning, eggs, and milk; then form into small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes, then turn and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Combine brown sugar, cider vinegar, lemon teriyaki seasoning, chopped green pepper, and pineapple in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in beef broth and cornstarch, then cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes clear.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and heat thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your teriyaki meatballs, consider adding grated ginger or minced garlic to the mixture. If you don’t have quick oats, breadcrumbs work well as a substitute. For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar if desired, or substitute it with honey for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry for a delicious Asian-inspired feast. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation. For a fun appetizer, serve them with toothpicks at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. They can also be reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep them juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Teriyaki Meatballs contains roughly 1700 calories, with 53g protein, 313g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (106% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (81% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Form them and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with chopped bell peppers or celery for a similar crunch. However, keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly. If you prefer a softer texture, finely chopped mushrooms can also work well.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha into the meatball mixture or the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).