Sticky Pork Meatballs

Indulge your sweet and savory cravings with these Sticky Pork Meatballs tossed in a delicious 6 ingredient sauce. Double the recipe to feed a crowd — they’re nothing short of flavorful!

An easy and delicious sticky pork meatball recipe

There is nothing better than a good sweet and savory combo, and these sticky pork meatballs bring all of that flavor. Every single bite is bursting with the most incredible taste combo, thanks in part to the delicious meatball base and in part to the incredibly savory homemade sauce.

This recipe makes around 16 meatballs, but it can be easily doubled to feed a crowd. And let me say, this is undoubtedly a crowd pleaser! Everyone is sure to love these meatballs, especially when served over rice and veggies and topped with sesame seeds and green onion (aka even more flavor).

Ingredients in this sticky pork meatballs recipe

The ingredients for this dish are made in two parts. First we have the pork, egg, and breadcrumb meatballs, and then we have the soy, sesame, and ginger sauce. Below is everything you’ll need:

Meatballs

• Ground pork: This recipe begins with 1 lb of ground pork.
• Egg: 1 egg will help the ingredients bind together and will aid in creating the meatball shapes.
• Breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs will help the meatballs achieve the correct texture. I use panko breadcrumbs.
• Garlic: For flavor, use 3 cloves of minced garlic. If using powder, use 3/4 tsp total to replace the cloves.
• Ginger: Bring in a peppery flavor by adding 1 tbsp of fresh grated ginger.
• Salt: Follow the ginger with 1/4 tsp of salt.
• Olive oil: Then, 2 tbsp of olive oil rounds out the meatball base.

Sauce

• Hoisin sauce: The delicious sauce begins with a base of 1/2 cup of hoisin sauce.
• Soy sauce: From there, add 2 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce.
• Sesame oil: 1 tsp of sesame oil adds a slightly nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Next, throw in 1 tbsp of rice vinegar.
• Ginger: More ginger is up next! Use 1 tsp of fresh grated ginger.
• Garlic: Finally, finish off the sauce with 2 cloves of minced garlic or 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.

When ready to serve, enjoy this dish alongside rice and veggies, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onion!

Tools needed to make these homemade meatballs

A few kitchen tools are needed to create this dish. First up is a mixing bowl and stirring utensil. Then, you will need a skillet, a spatula, a small sauce pot, and a bowl.

To measure ingredients, grab the following sized measuring cups: 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/3 cup, and 1/2 cup.

How to make sticky pork meatballs with homemade sauce

This recipe comes together easily and in only about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time! That brings the total time needed to prepare these meatballs to just around 30 minutes.

First, grab a mixing bowl and stir together the pork, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, and salt until well combined. Form the mixture into about 16 meatballs. (Optionally use a cookie scoop to help with this.)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

While the meatballs are cooking, place a small sauce pot over medium heat and whisk together all of the sauce ingredients. Once bubbling, simmer for 4-5 minutes over low heat.

Place the cooked meatballs in a bowl and toss with the sticky sauce.

Serve on a plate with rice and veggies and top with sesame seeds and green onion.

Once cooled, leftover meatballs should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 2-3 days. If storing in the freezer, enjoy within 1 month.

How do you get meatballs to stick?

Meatballs have to have the right ingredient mixture in order to stick together. For these meatballs, we’re using pork, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, salt, and olive oil. Each ingredient contributes to the flavor, but also the texture! Be sure to measure the ingredients closely in order to achieve the proper meatball texture and allow the mix to stick.

How do you make meatballs that don’t dry out?

In this recipe, the egg and olive oil help create juicy meatballs, but be sure to avoid overcooking as well. Doing so will create a dryer result.

Should I fry or bake my meatballs?

Either method works, but this recipe uses the stovetop skillet route! Cooking in the oven will create a crispier exterior.

How do you fix wet meatball mix?

Overly wet meatball mix may have too much olive oil. Try adding more breadcrumbs.

Can I make these with ground chicken?

That’s always an option. Ground chicken or ground beef will create a delicious dish, and turkey meatballs would work as well!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Craving some similar, equally hearty recipes? Try one of these! The sausage baked brie is a winner every time.

• Pecan Crusted Pork with Apple Chutney
• Instant Pot Mississippi Pork Roast
• Sausage Baked Brie
• Sweet Italian Sausage Chili

All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn