Sweet And Tangy Asian Meatballs

These Sweet and Tangy Asian Meatballs are so tender and easy to make! Loaded with ground beef & ground pork, breadcrumbs (or almond meal for gluten-free), minced garlic, yellow onion, grated fresh ginger, chopped green onions, Soy (or Tamari for gluten-free), and Gochujang, this Asian meatball recipe is jam-packed with flavor!

This post has been updated since it was originally posted in March 2016.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love These Asian Meatballs
• Our Favorite Meatball Recipes
• Asian Meatball Ingredients
• How to Make Asian Meatballs
• How to make Sweet and Tangy Asian Sauce
• What to Serve with Asian Meatballs
• How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Asian Meatballs
• Looking for more Amazing Meatball Recipes?
• Sweet And Tangy Asian Meatballs Recipe

We’re all about meatballs... And this week it’s getting even sweeter around here with our Sweet and Tangy Asian Meatballs! What can I say? Sweetness is my weakness.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, these Asian Meatballs are just for you.

Why You'll Love These Asian Meatballs

Big Flavor in Every Bite
These meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. The sauce is rich, sticky, and so addictive—it clings to every meatball and makes them irresistible.

Quick and Easy to Make
Just mix, shape, and bake. This dish can be ready and on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Perfect for Meal Prep
These meatballs reheat great and even freeze well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later. They’re a perfect option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer or Main Dish
Serve them over rice, noodles, or even zoodles for a complete meal. Or stick a toothpick in each and set them out at your next party—either way, they’ll disappear fast.

Customizable and Diet-Friendly
Easily make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or even "lower"-carb. You can switch up the meat and use ground turkey or ground chicken, adjust the spice level, or add your own twist.

I LOVE me some meatballs - they are one of my favorite things to enjoy. Because of that, I'm always creating new recipes and finding new ways to enjoy these hearty balls of goodness.

Our Favorite Meatball Recipes

There's my... Buffalo Chicken Meatballs that are hearty and delicious with a blue cheese sauce for dipping.  

Then there's my Italian Parmigiana Meatballs smothered in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, coated in marinara sauce, and tucked into fluffy club rolls AKA pillows from heaven.

And of course, my French Onion Meatballs... tender, juicy, low-carb, gluten-free, homemade chicken meatballs simmered in a French Onion sauce, topped off with a combination of Havarti and Gruyère cheese. 

And we can't forget the most popular meatball recipe on the blog... Healthy Meal Prep Baked Turkey Meatballs!  They’re loaded with lean protein and lots of delicious flavors!  This recipe makes 45 meatballs, and they freeze perfectly – a fabulous recipe to help you meal prep for the week!

Let me highlight some of the drool-worthy ingredients in this Asian meatball masterpiece recipe.

Asian Meatball Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef and Ground Pork: The combo of beef and pork gives these meatballs a juicy, flavorful base. Pork adds a bit of natural sweetness and tenderness, while beef keeps them hearty.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings bold flavor and a brightness that makes the whole dish come alive.
• Grated yellow onion: Grating the onion helps it blend smoothly into the meat mixture without chunks. It also adds natural moisture.
• Grated fresh ginger: Ginger gives these meatballs that classic Asian flavor—it’s warm, zesty, and super fragrant.
• Tamari Sauce (which is gluten-free or soy sauce if you'd prefer): Adds savory umami taste. Tamari is great if you’re keeping things gluten-free.
• Gochujang (a sweet and slightly spicy Korean chili sauce): This is where the magic happens! It brings sweet heat and a deep, fermented chili flavor that’s complex but not too spicy. Use more or less depending on your heat preference.
• Chopped green onions: These add a pop of fresh earthiness that balances the richness of the meat.
• Plus, eggs, salt, pepper, and almond meal – my substitute for breadcrumbs, because I’m all about more protein sans the gluten.

For the Sweet and Tangy Sauce:

• Hoisin Sauce: An Asian-style BBQ sauce—thick, sweet, and full of flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce and cut through the richness of the meat.
• Gochujang: Korean chili sauce - A second layer of gochujang in the sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of kick.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds saltiness and umami that balances the sweet and tangy notes.
• Garlic Powder & Ginger Powder: These dry seasonings reinforce the fresh garlic and ginger already in the meatballs, adding depth and a little extra warmth.

How to Make Asian Meatballs

Add the ground beef, ground pork, almond meal or breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated yellow onion, grated fresh ginger, chopped green onions, Tamari Sauce or soy sauce, Gochujang - Korean chili sauce, eggs, salt, and pepper, and to a large mixing bowl.

Next, form the meatballs.

You can spritz cooking spray on your hands or dip them in water throughout the meatball-forming process to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. I use a 1 ½ inch scoop for mine.

When formed, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 18-20 minutes.

How to make Sweet and Tangy Asian Sauce

So now you can make your sauce... in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir in hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, Gochujang sauce/paste, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and bring to a simmer. 

Let the sauce cook for 1-2 minutes and set aside until meatballs are ready. Then place meatballs in a large bowl and gently fold in ¾ of the sauce.

What to Serve with Asian Meatballs

Serve these meatballs with cooked jasmine rice or Asian noodles. If using Asian noodles gently fold in ¼ of the sauce mixture to the noodles. And for the rice, drizzle on the sauce before serving.

If you're looking to add more veggies and fewer carbs to your diet, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash noodles. They are a healthy and satisfying option. Gently fold ¼ of the sauce mixture into the zoodles or over the squash noodles.

And if you're looking for a delicious veggie side dish to pair with this meatball recipe, this Asian Cucumber Salad is super easy to make, tastes amazing, and is gluten-free.

Garnish this yumminess with pea shoots, scallions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Asian Meatballs

These sweet and tangy Asian meatballs are not just delicious the day you make them—they’re also meal prep heroes. Here’s how to store, reheat, and freeze them the right way so they stay just as tasty later.

How to Store Leftovers

• In the fridge:
  Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container with the sauce. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pro tip: Keep the sauce and meatballs separate (if possible) if you plan to reheat them later in the microwave. This keeps the sauce from getting too thick or sticky.

Reheating Meatballs

Microwave:
Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or paper towel to avoid splatter, and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through. Stir the sauce halfway for even heating.

Stovetop:
Add meatballs and sauce to a skillet over medium heat. Cover and stir occasionally for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through.

Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until fully warmed.

Freezing Asian Meatballs

How to freeze cooked meatballs:
Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Add sauce or freeze separately. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

To freeze uncooked meatballs:
Roll them into balls, then flash-freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 3 months. When ready to use, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating from frozen:
Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as noted above. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave on a low setting to defrost and then heat fully.

These Sweet and Tangy Asian Meatballs are saucy, savory, a little sweet, and just the right amount of heat! They're perfect for busy weeknight dinners, parties and get-togethers, or meal prepping. Whether you're serving them over rice, noodles, or on their own, everyone will love these tender, flavor-packed meatballs.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out.💚 Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see your delicious creations.

Looking for more Amazing Meatball Recipes?

• Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Turkey Meatballs
• Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs
• Salisbury Steak Meatballs
• Vegetarian Meatballs with Tahini Sauce
• Moroccan Lentils with Turkey Meatballs
• Lamb Meatballs with Fava and Tzatziki