Asian Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

Servings

24 meatballs

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

• ½ cup barbecue sauce

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

• Sesame seeds

• Fresh parsley or green onions, finely chopped

• Cocktail picks or bamboo skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix until just combined.

4. Form into 24 bite-sized meatballs.

Step 2: Bake

1. Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Bake for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

3. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 3: Make the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sriracha, and garlic.

2. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

3. Stir until glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs

1. Transfer cooked meatballs to a large bowl.

2. Pour the warm glaze over them.

3. Toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve

1. Arrange on a serving platter.

2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions.

3. Insert cocktail picks into each meatball.

4. Serve warm.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per 3 Meatballs)

• Calories: 230 kcal

• Protein: 14 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Fiber: 1 g

Chef's Tips

• A combination of beef and pork creates the juiciest texture.

• For extra flavor, broil the meatballs for 2–3 minutes before glazing.

• Add grated ginger to the glaze for a stronger Asian-inspired taste.

• These meatballs can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.

• Perfect for game days, holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Asian Glazed Cocktail Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich sweet-and-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The sticky sauce, sesame garnish, and bite-sized presentation make them an irresistible appetizer that's easy to prepare and guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering.