Name: Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle or Italian meatballs, thawed; Optional: Thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds; Hot cooked rice

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These Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs are a deliciously simple dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in a rich glaze. The tender meatballs are coated in a flavorful hoisin-based sauce with a touch of heat from Sriracha and sweetness from brown sugar. Serve them over a bed of rice for a quick, comforting meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make yet packed with flavor. The sweet and tangy glaze from hoisin sauce and rice vinegar pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs, and the Sriracha adds just the right amount of spice. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy, but comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the option to garnish with green onions and sesame seeds adds a beautiful touch and a little crunch!

Ingredients

1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle or Italian meatballs, thawed
Optional: Thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds
Hot cooked rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, Sriracha chili sauce, and ground ginger. Stir until well-blended.
Add the thawed meatballs to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Cook the meatballs over medium-low heat, covered, for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.
If desired, sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
Serve the glazed meatballs over hot cooked rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: You can use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs as a substitute for regular meatballs.
Extra Spice: Add more Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for added color and nutrition.
Noodles: Serve the meatballs over cooked noodles instead of rice for a different take on this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade meatballs if you prefer! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the glaze.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just heat the glaze, add the meatballs, and simmer until heated through.

3. Can I use a different type of sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce and a little bit of honey or molasses for sweetness, though it will change the flavor slightly.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of Sriracha sauce or add chopped fresh chili peppers to the glaze for more heat.

5. What else can I serve with these meatballs?

In addition to rice, you can serve these meatballs with noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a side of crispy spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

6. Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before cooking. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them and heat them in the glaze.

7. Can I make the glaze spicier with other ingredients?

You can add chili paste, fresh ginger, or even some hot mustard to the glaze to ramp up the heat.

8. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine the ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the meatballs are heated through.

9. Can I use a different kind of meatball?

This recipe works well with any fully cooked meatballs, such as turkey, chicken, or even pork meatballs.

10. How can I make this dish less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely and rely on the hoisin sauce for flavor.

Conclusion

These Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs are a quick, flavorful dish that makes a fantastic weeknight meal or appetizer. With a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze, the meatballs are perfectly complemented by a bed of rice, making this dish both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy!

Maggie