If you’re craving a simple yet insanely delicious dinner, this Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these meatballs turn out—juicy, tender, and coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that hits all the right sweet-and-savory notes. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a favorite in my house, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as we do!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: It comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Sticky, Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce makes the sauce irresistibly sticky and rich.
Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for these meatballs every time I make them.
Versatile Serving Options: You can enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or even tossed with noodles or rice.

A white bowl filled with about a dozen shiny, brown meatballs covered in a thick, glossy sauce. The meatballs have a smooth, sticky texture and are garnished with small pieces of green onion scattered on top. One meatball is held above the bowl by a gold fork, with sauce dripping down from it. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs, Honey Garlic Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipes, Delicious Dinner Ideas, Simple Meatball Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work perfectly together to create meatballs that are juicy inside while being glazed with a sauce that’s sticky and packed with umami. When I shop for this recipe, I always make sure to get fresh garlic and good-quality honey to really amp up the flavor.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef formed into a loose mound, a small bowl of fine golden breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with finely chopped white onion, a few vibrant green onion stalks sliced into rounds, one whole brown egg with a smooth shell, a small white bowl containing dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of light golden brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl holding pale beige garlic powder, a small pile of coarse white salt crystals, a small heap of ground black pepper, a scattering of natural white and black sesame seeds, a small white bowl filled with clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl with liquid golden honey, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of clear water, all items perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs, Honey Garlic Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipes, Delicious Dinner Ideas, Simple Meatball Dinner

Ground beef: I recommend going for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to keep the meatballs moist.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned, but I usually just grab plain to control the seasoning myself.
Onion: Finely chopped for that subtle sweet background note—it blends right into the meat.
Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor plus a pop of color; keep some extra for garnish.
Egg: Acts as the binder to keep everything together so the meatballs don’t fall apart.
Soy sauce: Provides savory depth and saltiness.
Brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor without overpowering the meatballs.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing it all together.
Sesame seeds: For garnish, giving a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight tang to the sauce.
Liquid honey: The star of the sauce that makes it sticky and sweet in the best way.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic really elevates the sauce’s flavor.
Cornstarch (or flour): To thicken the sauce nicely for that glossy finish.
Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and balance the sauce’s consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by tweaking ingredients or adding a twist—it keeps things exciting and lets you tailor the flavors exactly how you like them.

Swap the meat: Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and it still comes out juicy thanks to the sticky sauce.
Add heat: My family enjoys a kick, so I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some spice.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
Add herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro added to the meat mixture creates a fresh herby note that complements the sweetness.

How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, green onions, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. I like to use my hands here — it’s the best way to get everything evenly mixed without overworking the meat. Over-mixing can make your meatballs dense, and we definitely want them tender. Once mixed, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter; I find this size cooks perfectly and fits nicely on a fork or toothpick.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Place the meatballs in the pan—don’t crowd them, or they won’t brown properly. Cook, turning occasionally, until each side is golden brown and the meatballs are mostly cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You don’t need to cook them fully here because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. This browning step is where a lot of the flavor develops, so be patient.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, liquid honey, and minced garlic. In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch with water until dissolved. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the meatballs, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. This combination thickens the sauce beautifully as it simmers.

Step 4: Simmer Until Sticky and Glazed

Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring carefully now and then so the sauce coats each meatball evenly. You’ll notice the sauce getting glossy and thick—that’s the magic sticky glaze we’re after. Resist the urge to rush this step; it’s what makes these meatballs utterly irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Don’t overmix your meat: Mixing just enough keeps your meatballs tender and juicy.
Let the meatballs brown well: That caramelized crust adds incredible depth of flavor.
Use fresh garlic in the sauce: It makes a huge difference for authentic, vibrant flavor.
Watch the cornstarch slurry: Mix it well and add slowly to avoid lumps in your sauce.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with soft, fluffy white rice that has a few small green onion slices scattered on top. On one side of the bowl, four shiny, dark brown meatballs covered in a thick, glossy sauce are neatly placed. The meatballs are also sprinkled with sesame seeds and small pieces of green onion, adding contrast to their smooth, rich texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs, Honey Garlic Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipes, Delicious Dinner Ideas, Simple Meatball Dinner

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top—they add a fresh crunch and a lovely nutty finish that balances the sweet sauce perfectly. Plus, they make your plate look that much prettier!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are steamed jasmine rice or fluffy garlic mashed potatoes because the sauce soaks right in. For a lighter option, I love pairing these meatballs with a crisp Asian-inspired slaw or sautéed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these meatballs on a pretty platter with cocktail picks—they disappear fast! You can also toss them with cooked noodles or spiralized veggies for a fun noodle bowl that spotlight’s the sticky sauce beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—a nice bonus!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these freeze beautifully. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, no thawing needed—you can gently warm them up straight from the freezer.

Reheating

I like reheating on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the meatballs juicy and the sauce glossy, rather than dried out like in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This keeps the meatballs just as tasty and safe for gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs tender?

Don’t overmix the meat mixture and avoid packing the meatballs too tightly. Also, cooking them gently in the sauce after browning helps keep them moist and tender.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through. Then toss them in the honey garlic sauce in a skillet to coat before serving.
How sticky is the sauce really?

The sauce thickens beautifully thanks to the cornstarch slurry, creating a glossy, clingy coating that hugs each meatball—the perfect balance of sticky and pourable.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s one of those dishes that can please just about anyone—and with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping, or serving guests, the sticky glaze and perfectly seasoned meatballs never fail to impress. Give it a try and see how quickly this becomes your new go-to comfort food. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!