Teriyaki Meatballs

The BEST Teriyaki Meatballs are baked until perfectly juicy and then smothered in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce. Bursting with flavor, these easy teriyaki beef meatballs are a crowd-pleaser whether you serve them over steamed rice with veggies for dinner or set them out as a bite-sized party appetizer. The beauty of this teriyaki meatballs recipe is that your oven does all the work—no standing over a skillet, flipping and worrying they’ll burn. Just tender, flavorful meatballs coated in sticky-sweet sauce every single time.

What Makes This Recipe Work

These Teriyaki Meatballs strike the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami thanks to a homemade teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite. The sauce is quick to make, yet tastes better than anything from a bottle, giving you that rich, glossy finish you expect from your favorite takeout dish.

Baking the meatballs instead of frying means less mess, no constant flipping, and meatballs that hold their shape beautifully. The result is juicy, tender teriyaki beef meatballs with a deep flavor that pairs effortlessly with rice, noodles, or even skewers for appetizers. This method makes it a foolproof teriyaki meatballs recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

What Goes Into Teriyaki Meatballs

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The star of the recipe is, of course, the rich homemade teriyaki sauce that brings everything together in a glossy, flavorful coating.

• Ground Beef (or Pork/Chicken/Turkey): The base of the meatballs—choose beef for richness, pork for tenderness, or leaner chicken and turkey for a lighter option.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a soft, tender texture while helping them hold their shape in the oven.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that essential savory depth both in the meatball mixture and the teriyaki glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Balances out the salty soy sauce, giving the teriyaki sauce its signature sweet, sticky finish.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Teriyaki Meatballs

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C | 400°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment. Set aside while you mix the meatballs.

2. Make the Meatball Mix: Combine meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, sake, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined.

3. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop 1 1/2-inch portions and roll into balls. Arrange on the trays, leaving space between each one.

4. Bake Until Juicy: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and cooked through. Rotate trays once if needed for even browning.

5. Cook the Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a pot over medium high. Whisk in sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and water, then add the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thick and glossy.

6. Coat and Serve: Pour about three quarters of the sauce over the hot meatballs and toss gently to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, and serve with the remaining sauce for dipping or over rice and veggies.

Teriyaki Meatballs are deliciously versatile and can be paired with sides that balance their sweet and savory glaze. For a lighter base, try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice; its fresh citrus kick soaks up the sauce beautifully without being too heavy. To add comfort to your plate, Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a silky, savory side that makes every bite even more satisfying. And if you’d like a touch of cozy sweetness, Honey Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts With Bacon brings caramelized flavor and a hint of crunch to round out the meal.