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Savory Asian Meatballs Crockpot Recipe Easy Tender Juicy Flavor

savory asian meatballs crockpot recipe - featured image

These savory Asian meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, slow-cooked effortlessly in a crockpot for a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup water or unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, water or soy milk, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, making around 20 meatballs.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, water or broth, and chili garlic sauce if using.
  5. Place the meatballs gently in the crockpot and pour the sauce evenly over them. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the crockpot. Replace the lid and let the sauce thicken on high.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or sweetness if needed. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Browning meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Use panko breadcrumbs for lighter texture. Adjust salt carefully due to soy sauce and hoisin. Check meatballs around 5 hours on low to prevent drying. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner meat. Sauce can be thickened near the end with cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

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