There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory, and these Honey Lemon Meatballs deliver exactly that! Imagine juicy, tender meatballs coated in a glossy, slightly sticky honey-lemon sauce that’s both tangy and rich. Each bite is packed with flavor—sweet honey, zesty lemon, and a touch of garlic to keep things interesting. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe!
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a meal prep option, these meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious. Let’s dive into why this dish will become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love Honey Lemon Meatballs
- Versatile: Whether you serve them over rice, pasta, or as a party appetizer, these meatballs fit any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples that create amazing flavor.
- Quick and Easy: No complicated steps. This recipe is beginner-friendly!
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or tanginess to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will love these flavorful meatballs.
Ingredients in Honey Lemon Meatballs
The magic of these meatballs comes from a handful of simple ingredients that, when combined, create something incredible.
Ground Meat: The base of the dish. You can use beef, chicken, turkey, or pork—whatever you prefer!
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender and juicy.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Garlic & Onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor that balances the sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Brings a touch of umami that enhances the overall taste.
Honey: The star of the sauce! It gives a natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon brightens up the dish with a tangy contrast to the honey.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, giving it a silky texture.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the meatballs perfectly.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these flavorful meatballs:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs might turn tough.
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls. Aim for about 1-inch diameter so they cook evenly.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Oven Method: Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Stovetop Method: Heat oil in a pan and cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for another minute until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Coat the Meatballs: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat each one in that luscious honey-lemon glaze.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to serve them:
- Over Rice: Let the sauce soak into a fluffy bed of rice for a hearty meal.
- With Noodles: Toss with spaghetti or ramen for an Asian-inspired dish.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks at parties—guaranteed to be a hit!
- With Roasted Veggies: Balance the sweetness with some charred, roasted vegetables.
- Stuffed in a Wrap: Add to pita or flatbread with fresh greens and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Make the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a bit of heat.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat!
- Double the Batch: These freeze well, so make extra and save time later!
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or pork all work great in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare and shape them ahead, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A4: Yes! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals.
Q6: Can I add veggies to the mix?
A6: Definitely! Finely grated carrots or zucchini add moisture and nutrients.
Q7: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
A7: Reduce the honey slightly and add a bit more lemon juice for balance.
Q8: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A8: Fresh is always best, but bottled works in a pinch!
Q9: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
A9: Yes! Baking is a great hands-off method and keeps them light.
Q10: What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
A10: You can use arrowroot powder or just reduce the sauce until thickened naturally.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Lemon Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all in one bite! Whether you’re making them for a quick family dinner, meal prep, or a fun appetizer, they never disappoint. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to meatball dish!
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Honey Lemon Meatballs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Honey Lemon Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce. Made with ground chicken or turkey, turmeric, coriander, and fresh lemon, they’re seared to perfection and simmered in a honey butter glaze. Perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 small lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado oil), plus more for cooking
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or turkey
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (optional)
For the Honey Lemon Sauce:
-
- 2/3 cup white wine (such as Pinot Grigio) or chicken stock
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced (1/8-inch or 3 mm)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup (80g) honey
- 3 tbsp (45g) cold butter (vegan or dairy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a medium mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, breadcrumbs, turmeric, coriander, and oil. Add the ground meat, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Lightly wet your hands and shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, rolling them gently between your palms. Alternatively, use an ice cream scoop for uniform sizing.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until deeply browned on one side (6–8 minutes). Flip and cook for another 4–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the wine (or stock) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer the liquid to a small bowl and set aside. Carefully pat the skillet dry with a paper towel.
- Sear the Lemon Slices: Add 2 tbsp oil to the skillet. Arrange the lemon slices in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned. Flip and cook for another minute.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the reserved pan juices and ⅓ cup water. Squeeze any remaining lemon ends into the pan. Season with salt and bring to a simmer. Add honey and stir to combine. Reduce heat and maintain a steady simmer.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, partially cover with a lid, and simmer for 12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Push the meatballs to one side and gradually add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring vigorously to emulsify into the sauce.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra honey and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh turmeric instead of ground.
- If using chicken stock instead of wine, adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg