Mediterranean Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs
Prep & Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
These Mediterranean Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Juicy ground beef or turkey meatballs are baked or pan-fried until golden and then coated in a sticky honey-garlic sauce with a hint of heat. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served over rice or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/3–1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt, to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Sauce
1/4–1/2 cup honey
1/4–1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1–2 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce (optional, for spice)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan (if using), garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Form Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
Pan-Fry: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes).
Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Coat the Meatballs:
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
Garnish with extra chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve as an appetizer, over rice or noodles, or with roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
Meat Choices:
Ground beef gives a rich flavor, while ground turkey or chicken makes the meatballs leaner. A mix of beef and pork can also add extra juiciness.
Breadcrumbs:
Use plain, panko, or seasoned breadcrumbs depending on your texture preference. Panko gives a lighter, fluffier meatball.
Cheese Options:
Parmesan adds a savory depth, but you can omit it or substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Spice Level:
Adjust the red pepper flakes in the meatballs or the sriracha in the sauce to control heat. For mild, omit both; for extra spice, add more to taste.
Cooking Methods:
Pan-fry: Gives a nice golden crust and quick cooking.
Bake: Healthier option with less oil and hands-off cooking. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Sauce Thickness:
The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce. For a thinner glaze, reduce or omit the cornstarch.
Make Ahead:
Meatballs can be prepared and frozen uncooked. Thaw and cook as usual, then coat with sauce. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
Serving Ideas:
Serve over steamed rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. They also make great sliders or party appetizers.
Add Fresh Herbs:
Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions to add freshness and color.
Sweetness Balance:
Adjust honey to taste depending on how sweet you like the glaze. For tanginess, add a little more vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can cook them from frozen. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or pan-fry, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with the meatballs.
Q: Can I make these meatballs vegetarian?
Yes, try using a mix of mashed chickpeas, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust breadcrumbs as needed for binding.
Q: How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Chilling the meatballs for 15–20 minutes before cooking also helps them hold their shape.
Q: Can I adjust the sweetness or spice?
Absolutely. Reduce honey for less sweetness or add more sriracha/red pepper flakes for extra heat. Taste the sauce before adding the meatballs.
Nutrition
(per 3–4 meatballs with sauce, approximate)
Calories: 290
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 15% DV
(Values may vary depending on the type of meat and exact ingredients used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. They’re juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze that elevates any meal. Quick to prepare and versatile, they work as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables, and garnish with fresh herbs for a complete, satisfying dish.