These tender, juicy meatballs are slow-cooked in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick family meal or as an appetizer for game day, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!
1 1/2poundsground beef or ground pork (or a mix of both)
1/2cupbreadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4cupmilk
1largeegg
2clovesgarlic, minced
1teaspoongrated fresh ginger
2tablespoonssoy sauce
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1/2cuphoisin sauce
1/3cupsoy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1/4cuphoney or brown sugar
2tablespoonsrice vinegar
1tablespoonsesame oil
1teaspoongrated fresh ginger
2clovesgarlic, minced
1tablespooncornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 24-30 meatballs).
Optional: Sear the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of oil until browned on all sides.
In a separate bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic to make the sauce.
Place the meatballs in the crockpot and pour the sauce over the top. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce is glossy and coats the meatballs.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro before serving. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.