Description
Hearty Asian crockpot meatballs deliver complex flavor profiles from savory ground pork and aromatic spices. Delicate seasonings meld perfectly during slow cooking, creating an irresistible meal you’ll crave for future dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 2 tbsps ketchup
- 2 tbsps sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Meatball Preparation: Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Gently mix ingredients, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a cohesive, tender mixture.
- Shaping and Searing: Form meat mixture into uniform one-inch spheres, then quickly sear in a hot skillet to develop a golden caramelized exterior while maintaining internal juiciness.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk together hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and sesame oil to create a glossy, multi-dimensional sauce that promises intense flavor complexity.
- Slow Cooking Process: Transfer seared meatballs to crockpot, generously coating with prepared sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing heat to tenderize meat and harmonize sauce elements.
- Finishing Touches: Verify internal meat temperature for food safety, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to maintain moisture and tender texture.
- Optimize Flavor Infusion: Sear meatballs before slow cooking to develop a rich caramelized exterior and lock in deeper taste profiles.
- Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by reducing liquid or adding cornstarch if needed for perfect coating and glossy appearance.
- Dietary Adaptations: Substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and swap honey with maple syrup for vegan and dietary-specific variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg