Hoisin Asian Meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Glaze:

• ⅓ cup hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Meatballs
   In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, ginger, green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
   Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it!

3. Shape and Bake
   Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared sheet.
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

4. Make the Glaze
   While the meatballs bake, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
   Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until thick and glossy.

5. Coat the Meatballs
   Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.

6. Serve and Garnish
   Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
   Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or as a party appetizer.