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Close-up shot of Japanese spicy glazed meatballs topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled sauce, held with chopsticks.

Japanese Spicy Glazed Meatballs (Sweet, Sticky & Irresistible!)

Juicy homemade meatballs tossed in a glossy, sweet-spicy Japanese-style glaze for the ultimate appetizer or dinner bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Japanese
Servings 4 people
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 500 g ground chicken or beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 –3 tbsp chopped green onions

For the Spicy Japanese Glaze

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or chili paste
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 –2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Toppings

  • Sesame seeds
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Spicy mayo optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, grated onion, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and green onions until fully combined.
  • Shape: Roll into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
  • Cook the meatballs: Heat a splash of oil in a pan and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  • Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, hoisin, garlic, and ginger. Simmer on low.
  • Thicken the glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the glaze becomes thick, shiny, and sticky.
  • Coat the meatballs: Add the meatballs to the glaze and toss until fully coated.
  • Finish and serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and spicy mayo if desired.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with panko for extra softness.
  • Adjust the spice by increasing or reducing the sriracha.

 

Flavor Variations

  • Add a splash of pineapple juice for a sweet-tangy profile.
  • Mix in chili flakes for extra heat.
  • Add sautéed peppers or onions to the glaze for texture.
 

Optional Add-Ons

  • Drizzle with spicy mayo or Japanese BBQ sauce.
  • Serve with fresh cucumbers or cabbage slaw for crunch.

 

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs (without glaze) up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra glaze if needed.
Keyword easy dinner ideas, ground chicken meatballs, Japanese meatballs, soy glaze recipe, spicy Asian meatballs