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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 large egg - Salt and black pepper, to taste I use ground beef or turkey for meatballs. Both work great, but turkey is lighter. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese make the meatballs tender and tasty. Honey and soy sauce blend well for a sweet and salty sauce. Garlic and ginger add a punch of flavor that everyone loves. - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Sesame seeds Adding vegetables makes the dish colorful and healthy. Broccoli florets and bell peppers bring crunch and color. Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for a nice touch. They add flavor and make your dish look pretty. - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thicker sauce) If you want to enhance the sauce, add rice vinegar and sesame oil. They give an extra layer of flavor. Cornstarch helps the sauce thicken if you prefer a rich texture. These additions are not necessary, but they can elevate the dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. 2. Add chopped parsley, the egg, and minced garlic. 3. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Use your hands to mix until everything is well combined. 5. Shape the mix into 1-inch meatballs. 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 2. Once the oil is hot, place the meatballs in a single layer. 3. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the meatballs gently so they brown on all sides. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger. 2. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch. 3. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well blended. 1. Once the meatballs are browned, pour the honey garlic sauce over them. 2. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly. 3. Add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. 1. Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat. 2. Let the dish simmer for about 10 minutes. 3. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and tender veggies. 1. Serve the meatballs and veggies over cooked rice or noodles. 2. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet on top for more flavor. 3. Garnish with more chopped parsley and sesame seeds for a nice touch! To ensure your meatballs cook evenly, use a large skillet. This gives them room to brown nicely. When browning, don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This way, each meatball gets good heat and color. Achieving a golden-brown crust is key. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers. Gently place the meatballs in the hot oil. Let them cook without moving them too much for the first few minutes. This helps form that nice crust. Turn them carefully to avoid breaking apart. You can boost the flavor with extra spices. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil also work well. They add a nice touch to the dish. Adjusting the sweetness and saltiness is easy. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For saltiness, a splash more soy sauce works great. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Prepping meatballs in advance saves time. You can mix and shape them a day before. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. For freezing leftovers, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the sauce too. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the meatballs. Consider using other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for unique twists. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the honey garlic sauce by modifying the amounts of honey or soy sauce according to your taste preferences. Ensure Even Cooking: Stir the meatballs and vegetables occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking and that all ingredients are well-coated with sauce. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cook them fresh when you're ready for a quick meal. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just switch soy sauce for tamari. This small change lets everyone enjoy the meal without worry. If you want a vegan option, try using plant-based ground meat. You can also swap out the egg for flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the meatballs held together. Want to add some heat? Try mixing in chili flakes. They give the dish a nice kick. You can also play with sauces. Some people love adding hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. Others mix in sriracha for a spicy touch. Don't be afraid to get creative! For a complete meal, serve these meatballs with rice or noodles. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side salad for crunch. Roasted veggies pair nicely too. Think about using quinoa or farro for a fun grain twist. The honey garlic meatballs stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To store them, place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed well. This keeps moisture out and helps prevent spoilage. To freeze the meatballs and sauce, let them cool first. Next, pack them in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Press out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. To reheat without drying out, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps them heat evenly and stay juicy. Honey garlic meatballs take about 30 minutes to cook. This time includes browning the meatballs and simmering them in the sauce. You will need 5 to 7 minutes to brown them and about 10 minutes to simmer with the sauce and veggies. This makes it quick and easy for a weeknight meal. Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for later use. Just thaw before cooking. This helps save time on busy days. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey. Both options offer sweetness similar to honey. Adjust the amount to your taste. This change can also make the dish vegan if you need it. Yes, you can use ground turkey or even chicken instead of beef. Both options work well and give a lighter flavor. You can also try plant-based meat if you prefer a vegan dish. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. You can also add chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This will give your honey garlic meatballs an exciting twist! In this article, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We covered main ingredients like ground beef, garlic, and soy sauce. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and serve these tasty bites. I shared tips for meal prep, variations, and best storage practices. Whether you want a family dinner or a quick meal, these meatballs fit the bill. Remember, cooking should be fun and simple. Now go ahead and enjoy your cooking adventure!

Honey Garlic Meatball Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 0.5 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Meatballs: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combined, then shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently turning the meatballs occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides.
  • Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: While the meatballs are browning, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and cornstarch (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Combine and Cook: Once the meatballs are nicely browned, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet. Gently stir to coat each meatball thoroughly. Add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the skillet, distributing them evenly around the meatballs.
  • Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
  • Serve: Spoon the meatballs and vegetables over a generous serving of cooked rice or noodles. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

For a vibrant finish, garnish your dish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zesty twist!
Keyword easy dinner, honey garlic, meatballs, skillet meal