Teriyaki Beef Meatballs

Name: Teriyaki Beef Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

Highlighted under: Universal Flavors Table

I absolutely love making Teriyaki Beef Meatballs at home because they are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory beef, sweet teriyaki glaze, and fresh green onions creates an explosion of flavors that my family can't resist. It's a simple recipe that comes together quickly, yet each bite feels like a special occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside rice, these meatballs always hit the mark. I can't wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-30T20:14:27.665Z

When I first tried making Teriyaki Beef Meatballs, I was surprised at how easy it was to create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. The trick lies in the balance of flavors in the teriyaki sauce, which includes soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. I also learned that baking the meatballs instead of frying them keeps them tender and juicy while reducing mess.

To take it up a notch, I sprinkle some sesame seeds on top just before serving. This not only adds a nice crunch but also an appealing look to the dish. These meatballs have become a staple at our family gatherings, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that tantalizes your taste buds
Juicy beef meatballs that are easy to prepare
Perfect for parties, weekday dinners, or meal prep

Essential Techniques for Juicy Meatballs

To achieve tender and juicy meatballs, it's important to mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to denser meatballs. Combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs and seasonings just until evenly distributed. This method helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in succulent bites that are full of flavor.

Baking the meatballs instead of frying is a healthier choice, and it simplifies the cleanup process. When baking, ensure that you place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing for even cooking and easy release from the pan. You'll know they are ready when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Perfecting the Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce is a key component that compliments the meatballs beautifully. For optimal flavor, let the sauce simmer gently over medium heat. This not only helps dissolve the brown sugar, creating a smooth glaze, but also allows the ginger to infuse its aromatic oils into the sauce. Stir continuously as you add the cornstarch mixture to prevent clumping.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch or allow it to cook longer after adding the mixture. For a touch of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha. This can enhance the flavor profile while still preserving the signature sweetness of teriyaki.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

These Teriyaki Beef Meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. For a complete meal, serve them over steamed rice or quinoa, allowing the grains to soak up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, for a fun appetizer presentation, place toothpicks in each meatball and serve on a platter with extra sauce for dipping, ideal for entertaining guests.

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They also freeze well—simply freeze the cooked meatballs separately and then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag once solid. Reheat them directly from frozen in the oven or microwave, ensuring they are warmed through before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Teriyaki Beef Meatballs:

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

For Garnish

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Make sure to preheat your oven and gather your ingredients before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Teriyaki Beef Meatballs:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Prepare Teriyaki Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer on medium heat.

Thicken Sauce

Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat.

Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Teriyaki Beef Meatballs!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture sit for a few minutes before forming. You can also add chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up this recipe or accommodate dietary restrictions, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for the beef. They will yield slightly drier meatballs, so consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the mix for moisture. Additionally, gluten-free breadcrumbs can easily replace regular ones to make this dish gluten-free.

For the teriyaki sauce, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari can help reduce sodium levels while maintaining that delicious umami flavor. If you're keen on lowering sugar intake, you might use a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste as sweetness levels can vary.

Scaling the Recipe

This Teriyaki Beef Meatball recipe is easily scalable for large gatherings. If cooking for a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping an eye on the baking time, as larger batches may require an extra few minutes in the oven. Always check an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure doneness.

Additionally, if you're anticipating leftovers, consider making extra teriyaki sauce to serve with sides such as grilled vegetables or stir-fried noodles. These so you can create versatile meals throughout the week, all based on this delightful meatball recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a healthier alternative, though it may require adjusting the cooking time.

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Just bake when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in a sub sandwich.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.