Asian Pork Meatballs

Forget takeout and make your own Asian Pork Meatballs right at home. These tender and juicy meatballs are loaded with flavor, but they're also fast and simple to make. While most people think about pairing meatballs with spaghetti, this recipe is something completely different.

There's just something about meatballs that I love. Maybe it's the texture and juiciness, or maybe it's the fact that they're bite-sized and so easy to eat. Walking through the kitchen and popping a meatball in my mouth is about the best way I can think of to enjoy a quick snack.

Typically, meatballs are paired with red pasta sauce and served over noodles, but not this recipe. These are seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then finished with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. This meatball recipe makes a perfect appetizer or main dish.

Grab chopsticks, or use a fork, and dig in. These meatballs won't last long, so make sure you serve yourself while you're feeding everyone else, or you may not be left with any! They are great with Teriyaki Udon Noodles.

Speaking of tasty ground meat recipes, be sure to check out my Smoked Meatloaf for another fun recipe.

Ingredients

• Ground pork - The base of these juicy meatballs.
• Garlic powder - Adds plenty of garlic flavor without needing to mince fresh garlic.
• Ground ginger - Pairs really well with the teriyaki sauce.
• Onion powder - Adds another layer of savory flavor.
• Teriyaki sauce - Used to make the glaze that coats the cooked meatballs.
• Soy sauce - Adds salty, savory flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. With the added soy these do not need extra salt.
• Panko breadcrumbs - Help hold the meatballs together.
• Brown sugar - Adds a little sweetness to the glaze.
• Apple cider vinegar - Adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness. Rice vinegar works well too.

See quantities in recipe card.

How to Make Asian Pork Meatballs

Step One: Combine the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix until everything is evenly incorporated. You may need to use your hands, but try not to overwork the meat.

Step Two: Form the meat mixture into 16 to 20 meatballs. Place them on a preheated hot grill and cook over high heat for about 15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to brown all sides.

Expert Tip: Use a medium cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs and speed up the process.

Step Three: The meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step Four: While the meatballs are resting, combine the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze has reduced by about one-third. If you bring it to a boil to reduce it faster, stir frequently and watch it closely so it doesn't burn.

Step Five: Pour the warm glaze over the meatballs and serve.

Variations

• Use ground poultry - While these meatballs are amazing with pork, you can use ground chicken or ground turkey instead. Cook chicken or turkey meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F. Ground beef is another option.
• Add toppings - Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds are all great toppings. You can also add your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
• Add sesame oil - Add a small amount of sesame oil to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
• Make them spicy - Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you want some heat.
• Ginger - Love ginger? Mix in some grated fresh ginger to the meat mixture.

Storage

Store leftover Asian meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or a skillet until hot.

You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. For best results, keep the meatballs and teriyaki glaze separately in the freezer and add the glaze after reheating.

Common Questions

Can you make these meatballs in the oven?

Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until browned and the centers reach 160°F on a meat thermometer.

While the meatballs bake, prepare the teriyaki glaze on the stovetop. Toss the cooked meatballs with the warm glaze right before serving.

Can I make Asian pork meatballs in a skillet?

Yes! You can cook them in a skillet if you prefer. Don't crowd the pan, and turn the meatballs as they cook so they brown on all sides. Cook pork or beef meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Can you make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and make sure your soy sauce and teriyaki sauce are gluten-free as well. Tamari is an easy substitute for traditional soy sauce.

Are these meatballs healthy?

This depends on what you're looking for. Pork meatballs are a good source of protein, and you can serve them with vegetables or a salad for a lighter meal. Keep in mind that the teriyaki glaze and soy sauce can add quite a bit of sodium.

What side dish pairs well with meatballs?

You have plenty of options! Serve the meatballs over Blackstone Fried Rice, noodles, or steamed rice. For something lighter, pair them with a simple salad, zoodles, cauliflower rice, or grilled vegetables.

Recipe

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Originally Published August 22, 2022. Revised and Republished August 28, 2026.