Description
These Sticky Hoisin Meatballs with Scallion Sauce are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Ground pork or beef meatballs are browned to a caramelized finish, then simmered in a glossy, sticky hoisin-based sauce. A tangy scallion sauce adds a fresh contrast, making every bite deliciously irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground pork or beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce for Meatballs
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Scallion Sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork or beef, breadcrumbs, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix lightly by hand to incorporate ingredients evenly without overworking the meat, then shape into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of neutral oil. Cook the meatballs in batches so they have space and can caramelize properly. Brown all sides of the meatballs until they develop a golden crust. Remove browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sticky Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and, if necessary, wipe out any browned bits from the skillet. Pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Stir continuously and heat the sauce until it becomes glossy and aromatic.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sticky sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 4 to 6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the meatballs to cook through completely.
- Make the Scallion Sauce: While the meatballs simmer, whisk together the finely chopped scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Set the scallion sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Serve the Dish: Plate the sticky hoisin meatballs and drizzle the prepared scallion sauce over them just before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped scallions for a vibrant touch and added texture.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil is recommended for browning.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- These meatballs can also be served over steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: sticky hoisin meatballs, scallion sauce, Asian meatballs, ground pork meatballs, easy dinner recipe, hoisin sauce recipe
