Description
These Asian Crockpot Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of garlic and ginger. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or served over rice for a delicious dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe super easy and stress-free!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
🍖 Prepare the Meatballs:
-
Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender).
-
Form the Meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs).
-
Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
🍲 Make the Sauce and Cook:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and sesame oil.
-
Add to Slow Cooker:
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat evenly.
-
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through (75°C / 165°F internal temperature).
🍽️ Serve:
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed rice, with noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate overnight or freeze for later use.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.