Sticky Asian Plant-Based Meatballs
This is probably not the first thing you think of when you think “meatballs” — but trust me, it works. These Sticky Asian Meatballs are sweet, savory, sticky, and packed with flavor. And because you start with store-bought plant-based meatballs, they come together incredibly fast.
The sauce is made with garlic, ginger, hoisin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and just a little heat. Once the meatballs come out of the oven, they go straight into the sauce until everything gets glossy and delicious.
This is one of those meals that surprises people in the best way.
Serve With
- Brown rice or Vegetable fried brown rice
- Chinese cabbage salad
- Steamed Veggies
Sticky Plant-Based Asian Meatballs
These sticky, sweet-savory meatballs are packed with ginger, garlic, hoisin, and a little heat. Use this sauce to glaze cooked meatballs for an easy appetizer or dinner over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili crisp
Instructions
- Mix the ginger, garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl.
- Cook the meatballs according to your recipe or package directions. [TODO: Add meatball ingredients and cooking method.]
- Add the sauce to a skillet over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, until glossy.
- Add the cooked meatballs and remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
- Toss until the meatballs are well coated and sticky.
Notes
Tip: Keep a knob of fresh ginger in the freezer and grate it straight from frozen whenever you need it. Just grate what you want, then pop the rest back in the freezer — no peeling, no waste, and you’ll always have fresh ginger ready without another grocery store run.
Tips
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes so they soak up the flavor.
- Chili crisp gives amazing flavor if you like a little heat.
- This recipe works great for meal prep lunches too.
