Anyone looking for a fun new appetizer (or even main course!) for the big game this week?
These saucy sesame meatballs are some of my favorites!!!
I first made them a few months ago when I was experimenting with multiple meatball recipes to serve for a fundraiser. And when my friends graciously “helped me out” with some taste testing, these little guys were the clear winner! My friend’s 1-yr-old son was even crazy about them as well. ;)
Definitely easy, quick, and bursting with yummy flavor. And everyone commented on how they’re a nice twist from traditional marinara meatballs. Give them a try!
Saucy Sesame Meatballs
You will love this delicious saucy sesame meatballs recipe! It’s so flavorful, saucy, and perfect for game day or as an appetizer for special occasions.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. ground pork or ground beef
- 2 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 cup Panko or breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 eggs
- 3 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions
- optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions
Sesame Sauce Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- In a large bowl, mix together meatball ingredients until well-combined. Shape into balls (I made mine about 1.5 inches, which yielded about 35 meatballs, but 1 inch is probably standard), and place on a greased baking sheet or in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are golden on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
- While the meatballs are baking, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until blended. Once meatballs have finished cooking, you can either dip each meatball individually (using a toothpick) in the sauce mixture. Or you can pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently stir them until covered.
- Serve warm, and sprinkle with additional garnish if desired. (I served mine on these cocktail forks.)
Notes
You can also keep these warm (after cooking) in the crockpot on a low setting!
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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I made these as a Christmas appetizer and they were incredibly delicious and easy. I served them plain with a choice of sauces including a sweet and zesty bbq and General Tso’s sauce. I plan to try the Asian souce next time though. I just discovered your blog and I am really enjoying it so thank you very much!!!
has anyone made the meatballs ahead of time and frozen them with good results?
I’m making these tomorrow for a party! Just want I was looking for.
Just made these. After reading comments I decided to use less hoisin saue. But the flavor for my taste was still a bit strong and tangy. I decided to add about 1/4 C Kikoman Teriaki glaze. Still a bit strong – not sweet enough- I added about 1/4 C brown sugar. Was very happy with the outcome. Wll definitely make again with a few tweaks :). Thank you for the receipe
Ali, you’re the best—thank you!
Ali, I made these for dinner tonight. The sauce was pretty strong-tasting and I might use a little less hoisin-sauce next time, but the overall flavour was very lovely . Thank you!!!
I made these for dinner tonight and they were delicious! I made them with ground turkey and ground beef and added a little brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. My family loved them and I think they’ll make great sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. Definitely a winner! I’ll make these again! Thanks for the recipe!
Going to try these soon. They look fabulous. Where can I get the fancy toothpicks?
Thought I would comment since these were so sooo GOOD. I made these today with ground turkey and they were amazing!!!! The sauce is REALLY REALLY good!!! I made them in little muffin cups though as a meal and poured the sauce over, I’m pressed for time! Thanks for the recipe!! :)
Muffin pans are a great time saver idea, thanks!
Did you use fresh ginger, or the kind on the spice aisle at the store? Thanks.