Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs
Try this Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs recipe
Try this Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs recipe
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 1/4 cups water
- sliced green onions for garnish
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (can use white vinegar as a sub)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs (i usually use panko)
- 2 tablespoons milk (use the lesser amount if using ground turke
- Carbohydrate 2.24539372595317 g
- Cholesterol 52.875 mg
- Fat 1.46233510626635 g
- Fiber 0.0814267931730364 g
- Protein 2.3377062956963 g
- Saturated Fat 0.417688868202263 g
- Serving Size 1 1 meatball (112g)
- Sodium 415.204462270822 mg
- Sugar 2.16396693278014 g
- Trans Fat 0.216376981173978 g
- Calories 31 calories
Step-by-step
- For the sauce, in a medium bowl or in a liquid measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth (can use a blender for this, if desired). Set aside.
- For the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients, except the 1 tablespoon oil and the green onions, and mix until well-combined (I usually ditch any utensil and just get my hands in there to do the mixing). Form the mixture into meatballs about an inch or two in size.
- In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until the oil is rippling and hot. Add the meatballs in a single layer to the hot skillet and brown on all sides, turning with a pair of tongs. The meatballs don’t need to be completely cooked through, just equally browned on all sides.
- Pour the sauce ingredients over the meatballs and gently turn the meatballs to coat them in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook about 10-15 minutes, stirring every once in a while to carefully turn the meatballs and coat them in the sauce, until the meatballs are cooked through. If the sauce becomes overly thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time to thin.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over hot, cooked rice, quinoa or couscous, if desired. Garnish with green onions.
My Weeknight Savior: Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling deadlines at the office, school pick-ups, PTA meetings, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner often feels like an impossible task. I'm constantly searching for recipes that are both quick and satisfying, something that can feed my family without demanding hours of my precious time. That’s where this Skillet Teriyaki Meatball recipe comes in. It’s my new weeknight go-to, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques, just a handful of pantry staples transformed into a flavourful and hearty meal. The teriyaki sauce is incredibly easy to whip up – a simple blend of soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and ginger creates a rich, savory glaze that perfectly complements the tender meatballs. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing my precious after-work hours. I can usually have this on the table in under 30 minutes, giving me more time to connect with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
The Meatball Magic: I typically use lean ground beef or turkey, but feel free to experiment with different ground meats to suit your preferences. The addition of breadcrumbs and milk helps bind the meatballs, keeping them moist and flavorful. I usually grab whatever breadcrumbs I have on hand – panko, regular, it all works beautifully. For added flavor, I incorporate garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce into the meatball mixture. The subtle savory notes from these ingredients enhance the overall flavor profile, making these meatballs irresistible.
Sauce Perfection: The teriyaki sauce is what truly elevates this dish. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is simply divine. The honey provides a touch of sweetness, while the soy sauce and ginger offer a savory depth. The rice vinegar adds a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness of the sauce, preventing it from being overly sweet. I’ve experimented with using different types of vinegar, and while rice vinegar is my favorite, white vinegar works perfectly well as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions: While these meatballs are delicious on their own, I often serve them over a bed of hot, cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous. The grains absorb the delicious teriyaki sauce, adding a comforting and satisfying element to the meal. A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and freshness, completing the dish beautifully. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious reheated the next day, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.
Beyond the Weeknight: This Skillet Teriyaki Meatball recipe isn’t just limited to busy weeknights. It’s also perfect for casual gatherings with friends and family. The vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I've served it at numerous potlucks and BBQs, and it’s always a hit. The recipe is easily scalable, too, making it adaptable to larger groups. Just adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your needs.
My Personal Touch: I’ve found that the key to truly delicious meatballs is to not overwork the meat. Gentle mixing is all you need to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so I typically just use my hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. It’s a bit messy, but it’s worth it for the tender, flavorful results.
This Skillet Teriyaki Meatball recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, a culinary lifeline on those hectic evenings when time is of the essence. It's a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. With a little creativity and some readily available ingredients, even the busiest of schedules can accommodate a home-cooked meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!
Pro Tip: If you're short on time, you can use pre-made teriyaki sauce. However, making the sauce from scratch is quick and easy, and the flavor is undeniably superior. Give it a try!
