If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with a finger-licking sauce, you’re going to love this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs are tender and juicy on the inside, baked to golden perfection, and then generously coated in a glossy, sticky honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Trust me, once you try this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white metal bowl on a white marbled surface holds a mixture of ingredients in five sections: on the left, there is a raw yellow egg yolk; next to it, finely chopped white onions; to the right of the onions, chopped green herbs; below them, a mound of reddish-brown minced meat with some green herb pieces on top; and on the far right, a pile of light beige breadcrumbs. The bowl shows all ingredients separately before mixing, and the photo is taken from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, affordable, and work harmoniously to create the magical flavors and texture in this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe. Each component has a purpose, whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or that beautiful sticky glaze everyone will be talking about.

Ground beef (1 lb.): The base of the meatballs, providing juicy flavor and hearty texture.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
Onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
Green onions, finely chopped (1 tbsp plus extra for garnish): Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Egg (1): Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp for meatballs + 2 tbsp for sauce): Delivers umami depth and saltiness.
Brown sugar (1/2 tbsp for meatballs + 2 tbsp for sauce): Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully in the sauce.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses the meatballs with warm garlic flavor.
Salt (1 tsp) and ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a delicate crunch and toasty flavor.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides tangy brightness in the sauce to balance sweetness.
Liquid honey (2 tbsp): The star ingredient that creates the sticky, luscious glaze.
Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Fresh garlic that elevates the sauce with pungency.
Cornstarch or flour (1/2 tbsp) mixed with water (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency to coat each meatball.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, green onions, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing everything thoroughly helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the meatballs hold together without drying out. Taking a moment here sets the foundation for juicy, flavorful meatballs that will pair perfectly with the sauce.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Using about two spoonfuls of the mixture at a time, roll it into evenly sized 1.5-inch meatballs. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and coating lightly with oil prevents sticking and promotes even browning. Baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes cooks them through while maintaining juiciness. For best results, check that the internal temperature reaches 160F, ensuring they’re perfectly safe and tender.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs bake, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, liquid honey, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Pour this mixture into a shallow pan and heat over medium heat, stirring continuously. After 3 to 4 minutes, the sauce thickens into a sticky, glossy glaze, crawling with rich garlicky sweetness. This step transforms simple ingredients into the irresistible sauce that defines this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe.

Step 4: Toss Meatballs in Sauce and Serve

Once your meatballs are cooked and your sauce is thickened, combine them gently in the pan, tossing until each meatball is well coated in the sticky honey garlic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add that pop of color and texture. Serve immediately, either all on their own or over steamed or fried rice for a fulfilling meal that comfort food dreams are made of.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

A white ceramic dish filled with evenly sized meatballs covered in a thick, shiny brown sauce. The meatballs have a smooth texture with a slight shine from the sauce that pools around them, creating a rich and glossy appearance. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the meat and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes bring extra personality and freshness to these meatballs. A scattering of chopped green onions adds brightness while toasted sesame seeds offer a delicious crunch and a hint of nuttiness. These touches not only make the dish look vibrant but also elevate each bite with an added layer of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are fantastic served alongside flavors that can soak up the luscious honey garlic sauce. Try them with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, fragrant fried rice with peas and carrots, or even a simple garlic buttered noodle. For vegetable lovers, a crisp Asian slaw or sautéed bok choy complements the rich meatballs beautifully by adding some freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or add a twist? Serve these meatballs appetizer-style on toothpicks for easy party eating. Alternatively, create a meatball sub sandwich loaded with melted cheese and extra sauce for a hearty bite. You can also serve them atop a fresh bed of greens or spiralized veggies for a lighter, low-carb option that still captures all the Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the meatballs (with or without sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this recipe great for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Arrange cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze them tossed in sauce, but it’s best to keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain texture. Frozen meatballs last for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals until warmed through. Just be sure to stir or toss gently, so the sticky honey garlic glaze stays beautifully glossy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on moisture since these meats can be drier, and consider adding a bit more breadcrumb or an extra egg for binding.

Is there a way to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this adjustment keeps them safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.

What can I do if I don’t have cornstarch?

If cornstarch isn’t on hand, flour works as a great thickener for the sauce. Use the same amount and whisk it thoroughly to avoid lumps. The sauce texture will still turn out nicely sticky and thick.

How spicy are these meatballs? Can I add heat?

These meatballs lean toward sweet and savory rather than spicy. But if you want a little kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing some sriracha into the glaze is a fantastic way to customize the heat level.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day before, refrigerate separately, and then gently reheat together just before serving. You can even bake the meatballs earlier in the day and warm them up in the sauce when guests arrive for a stress-free party dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and addictive about this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe that makes it impossible not to go back for seconds. With simple ingredients coming together to create juicy meatballs smothered in a shiny, sticky, garlicky sauce, it’s a total winner anytime you want a cozy, satisfying meal. Don’t wait—give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites for good reason!

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need