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Asian Crockpot Meatballs

Asian Crockpot Meatballs
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These Asian Crockpot Meatballs are a simple, flavor-packed meal perfect for busy nights. Tender meatballs simmered in a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce create a delicious and family-friendly dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey; lean preferred)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (or substitute with pineapple juice and rice vinegar for sweet and sour)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup water or broth
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha for spice

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the meat which can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using your hands or a small scoop to ensure they cook evenly and fit comfortably in the crockpot.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water or broth. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha if desired for a spicy kick.
  4. Combine and Cook: Place the meatballs carefully into the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Stir gently to coat all meatballs without breaking them apart. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds (and fresh herbs if using) over the meatballs. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • For added flavor, brown meatballs briefly in a hot pan before crockpot cooking.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor.
  • If the sauce is too thin after cooking, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes.
  • Cooking on low heat for longer yields more tender and juicy meatballs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, easy dinner, family meal, gluten-free, Asian sauce

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/asian-crockpot-meatballs/