Sticky Soy Glazed Meatballs

Addictive bites of salty sweet goodness

by Justina Sullivan
Sticky Soy Glazed Meatballs

Addictive Meatballs in a Sweet and Salty Glaze

Not only a finger-licking meatball recipe, but also a versatile sauce you’ll want to use again and again. These classic pork meatballs are oven-roasted to stay juicy, bouncy, and tender, then coated in a salty-sweet sticky Asian glaze. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with rice, noodles, salad, or this crunchy Asian Slaw.

Asian Slaw Recipe

The Versatile Soy Glaze

This glossy soy glaze isn’t just for meatballs – it’s delicious brushed over chicken, tossed through stir-fried vegetables, or mixed into noodles. To make it, simply combine all the sauce ingredients in a pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld beautifully.

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Sticky Soy Glazed Meatballs
Print Recipe

Sticky Soy Glazed Meatballs

Delicious Sticky Soy Glazed Meatballs coated with a salty-sweet sticky Asian sauce.
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 500g pork mince
  • 1 egg
  • 60g panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp milk or water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • Large pinch of salt and pepper
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Sticky Soy Glaze

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 100ml water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 200°C fan (or 210°C conventional). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30–45 seconds. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for a further 30–60 seconds, stirring continuously, until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk (or water). Mix and allow to soak for 1–2 minutes until fully hydrated.
  • Mix the meatballs: Add the pork mince, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, ginger powder, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky, but do not overwork.
  • Shape the mixture into small-to-medium meatballs and place them on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12–14 minutes, turning once halfway through, until lightly browned and just cooked through.
  • Glaze the meatballs: Return the glaze to a pan over medium heat. Once bubbling, add the hot meatballs and toss gently for 30–60 seconds until evenly coated and the glaze thickens and clings to the meatballs.
  • To serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve hot with rice, noodles, or a crisp Asian slaw (recipe here).