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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground pork - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) - Sesame seeds and additional green onions for garnish Gather these ingredients for your savory slow cooker Asian meatballs. The mix of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs great flavor and texture. Breadcrumbs help them stay together. Green onions, garlic, and ginger add a fresh taste. The egg binds everything while soy sauce and sesame oil boost the savory notes. Hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey create a rich glaze. Cornstarch is optional but can help the sauce thicken. Finally, top with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a nice finish. Make sure to measure everything out before starting. It makes mixing easier and more fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground pork - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt Mix all these ingredients together until well combined. Make sure each meatball has the same flavor. Next, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate. This keeps them organized and ready for cooking. You can sauté the meatballs for extra flavor. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly sauté the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes. You want to brown the outside, but you don't need to cook them through. For a perfect sear, don’t crowd the pan. Leave space between each meatball. This helps them brown evenly. Now it's time to prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) If you sautéed the meatballs, place them in the slow cooker. If you skipped that step, just add the raw meatballs. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. When done, the meatballs should be cooked through and flavorful. Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce. Let them sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Getting the right texture is key to great meatballs. The fat ratio matters a lot. Using both ground beef and pork gives you a nice mix. The beef adds flavor, while the pork keeps them juicy. You can also skip breadcrumbs if you want. Instead, try using cooked rice or crushed cornflakes. These options keep your meatballs soft and tasty. To boost the flavor, think about adding more spices. A pinch of five-spice powder can add a nice kick. You can also try a dash of chili flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Just chop them fine and mix them into the meatball mix. This way, every bite is packed with flavor. When serving, pair your meatballs with fluffy rice or steamed veggies. They soak up the sauce well and make a great meal. For a fancy touch, serve them with sliced green onions on top. If it's a special occasion, place the meatballs on a platter and garnish with sesame seeds. This makes the dish look stunning and appetizing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Always choose fresh over powdered for the best results. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce by adding more honey or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Keep Them Moist: If you find your meatballs are drying out, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or broth to the mixture to keep them moist during cooking. Batch Cooking: These meatballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later on. Just reheat in the slow cooker or microwave when ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can switch out the meat for chicken or turkey. Ground chicken or turkey works well in this recipe. Both options provide a leaner choice while keeping the flavor strong. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, as they may cook faster. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, try using plant-based ground meat. There are many tasty brands available. You can also make meatballs with tofu or lentils. These options are healthy and packed with protein. Don't be afraid to experiment with the sauce! You can try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a different taste. Both sauces add a nice sweet and savory flavor. If you want more heat, consider adding chili paste or sriracha. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Mixing sauces can also create unique flavors. For example, blend hoisin sauce with peanut sauce for a rich and nutty taste. This adds a new layer to your meatballs. Adding Asian vegetables can elevate your dish. Consider tossing in snow peas, bell peppers, or bok choy. These veggies not only add color but also crunch to the dish. You can also incorporate different spices for a twist. Try five-spice powder for warmth or chili flakes for heat. These spices enhance the overall flavor profile and make your meatballs even more exciting. To keep your meatballs fresh, place them in a container. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This will help keep out air and moisture. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is great. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, move them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can from the bag. Label it with the date for easy tracking. To thaw, place the meatballs in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. When ready to eat, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If reheating in a skillet, add some sauce for moisture. Enjoy your tasty meatballs anytime! Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Yes, you can prep these meatballs ahead of time. You can mix the meat and shape them into balls. Store them covered in the fridge overnight. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking. This makes dinner easy! These meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with steamed rice or noodles. Add some stir-fried veggies for extra crunch. A fresh salad with sesame dressing is a great choice too. Don't forget to sprinkle on some extra green onions for flavor! You learned how to make slow cooker Asian meatballs from start to finish. We covered the key ingredients, from meat choice to spices. I shared tips for mixing, shaping, and cooking them for that perfect bite. You saw ways to add flavor, try different proteins, and work with various sauces. Lastly, we discussed storage for leftovers. Now, you’re ready to wow your family and friends with delicious meatballs. Cooking can be fun and easy, so get creative and enjoy!

Savory Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork, cooked in a savory Asian sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup hoisin sauce
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and additional green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly sauté the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes, just until they are browned on the outside (this step is optional before adding to the slow cooker for deeper flavor).
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch (if using).
  • Place the sautéed (or raw if skipping sauté) meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and flavorful.
  • Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce, and let them sit for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Optional sautéing of meatballs enhances flavor.
Keyword Asian, meatballs, slow cooker