Description
Succulent slow cooker honey garlic meatballs promise an explosion of flavor that dances across taste buds. Sweet and savory notes blend perfectly, creating a mouthwatering dish that invites diners to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw meatballs)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare a skillet with a light coating of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully brown raw meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich golden exterior. For frozen varieties, transfer them directly into the slow cooker without searing.
- Create a vibrant sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients until they form a harmonious blend with a glossy appearance.
- Drench the meatballs with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece receives an even coating. Use a gentle stirring motion to distribute the sauce thoroughly throughout the slow cooker.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the meatballs to simmer and absorb flavors for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, use the high setting for 2-3 hours until the meatballs reach optimal tenderness.
- Craft a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until completely smooth and free of lumps. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and increase the temperature to high.
- Allow the sauce to thicken for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any potential sticking or burning. The sauce should develop a glossy, slightly viscous texture that clings beautifully to the meatballs.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions across the top. Serve immediately over fluffy white rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customize meat blend by mixing ground beef, pork, or turkey for varied flavor profiles and nutrition.
- Choose lean meats to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to help meatballs stay moist and hold together during cooking.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free soy sauce and tamari for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Create vegetarian version using plant-based meatballs or firm tofu chunks that absorb delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth without compromising flavor intensity.
- Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of rice wine or Chinese cooking wine for complex umami notes.
- Prep meatballs ahead and freeze uncooked for convenient meal planning and quick future dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg