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- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup bread crumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon five-spice powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup teriyaki sauce (divided) - 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color) - 1 cup broccoli florets These ingredients create the base for the meatballs. The ground meat gives a tasty protein source. The bread crumbs help bind the meatballs together. Green onions, ginger, and garlic add fresh flavor. The egg acts as a binder too. Soy sauce and sesame oil enhance the umami taste, while five-spice powder adds depth. - Chopped cilantro - Crushed red pepper flakes - Sliced scallions for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish Adding these ingredients can boost the flavor. Cilantro gives a fresh, herbal note. Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. Sliced scallions and sesame seeds make for a nice garnish, adding color and texture. - Use ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey. - Replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce. - Swap out broccoli for snap peas or green beans for a different veggie. These substitutions help tailor the recipe to your needs. You can enjoy these meatballs no matter your dietary restrictions. Choose the ingredients that suit you best. {{ingredient_image_2}} In a large bowl, mix the meatball ingredients. Use 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Add 1/2 cup of bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Then, add 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Include 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 large egg. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to blend everything well. This mix makes a perfect base for your meatballs. Once your meat mixture is ready, shape it into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate as you shape them. This helps keep them organized. After shaping, prepare your crockpot. Pour 1 cup of teriyaki sauce into the bottom. This sauce adds flavor and keeps the meatballs moist. Carefully place the meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. Next, sprinkle sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets over the meatballs. This adds color and nutrition. Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set the heat to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are done when they are fully cooked and tender. After cooking, serve the meatballs over rice or noodles. Drizzle more teriyaki sauce if you like. Enjoy your meal! Shaping meatballs is easy. First, wet your hands with water. This keeps the mixture from sticking. Take about a tablespoon of the meat mixture. Roll it gently into a ball, about one inch wide. Make sure each ball is uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more bread crumbs. To boost flavors, use fresh ingredients. Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference. They add a bright taste to the meatballs. You can also mix in some chopped cilantro or parsley. These herbs add freshness and color. Adjust the soy sauce for saltiness. If you want more heat, add chili flakes or sriracha. This gives your meatballs a nice kick. For serving, place the meatballs in a deep bowl. Add a bed of steamed rice or noodles at the bottom. This helps soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds crunch and color. A slice of lime on the side gives a fresh touch. It also helps balance the flavors. Enjoy your tasty meatballs with family or friends! Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground turkey to reduce fat content while still keeping the meatballs moist and flavorful. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra nutrition and color in your dish. Chill the Mixture: For easier handling, chill the meatball mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps them hold their shape better. Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for an aromatic finish that complements the Asian flavors beautifully. {{image_4}} To make this dish gluten-free, swap out regular bread crumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed rice crackers or oats. Ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free too. This small change keeps the flavor intact while catering to dietary needs. You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat like lentils or chickpeas. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to enjoy it with your favorite protein. Want more veggies? Toss in some carrots, snap peas, or zucchini. These add color and nutrients. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables for ease. Just add them to the crockpot with the meatballs. This way, you boost the dish's health benefits without much effort. After you enjoy your Crockpot Asian meatballs, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the meatballs cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat your meatballs, use the microwave for quick results. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of teriyaki sauce to keep them moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat them on the stove. Use a pan over low heat. Add a bit of water or sauce to avoid sticking. Heat until warm and serve. Freezing is a great option for meal prep. Shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cook them as usual in the crockpot for a quick meal. You can serve these meatballs with steamed rice or noodles. Both options soak up the teriyaki sauce well. For added crunch, try a fresh salad on the side. A cucumber salad or Asian slaw pairs nicely. You can also garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and looks. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the crockpot. You might need to cook them a bit longer. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F. It’s an easy way to save time while still enjoying great flavors. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. It should read 165°F to be safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Crockpot Asian meatballs are simple and fun to make. We covered the main ingredients, optional flavors, and substitutes for diets. You learned the steps to mix, shape, and cook the meatballs. Tips helped you perfect your meatball-making skills. We also explored tasty variations and storage options. Enjoy these meatballs with friends or family. With practice, you will master this dish. Dive in and taste the delight!

Crockpot Asian Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground beef or turkey, flavored with Asian ingredients, and cooked in a savory teriyaki sauce with vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce (divided)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, bread crumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced ginger, minced garlic, the egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, and five-spice powder. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until evenly blended.
  • Once the mixture is well combined, start shaping it into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate and set aside to prepare for cooking.
  • In the bottom of a crockpot, pour in 1 cup of teriyaki sauce, creating a savory base for the meatballs to cook in.
  • Carefully place the meatballs on top of the teriyaki sauce in a single, even layer to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Next, sprinkle the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets over the meatballs for a colorful and nutritious addition.
  • Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated and flavorful.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the heat to low, cooking for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
  • Once cooked, serve the meatballs and vegetables over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and drizzle with any additional teriyaki sauce if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

Serve the meatballs in a deep bowl, garnishing with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh and vibrant touch. Consider adding a few slices of lime on the side for an extra burst of flavor!
Keyword Asian cuisine, crockpot, meatballs, teriyaki