Hoisin-Glazed Meatballs Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 4 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 green onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• Hot cooked white rice, for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Grease a baking sheet and set it aside.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Stir the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overwork it.

Step 3: Gently shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160F (71C).

Step 4: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, honey, minced green onion, rice vinegar, sesame oil, the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 clove of garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until it slightly reduces.

Step 5: Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce in a small bowl for the green beans. Add the baked meatballs to the remaining sauce in the saucepan, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: While the meatballs are cooking in the sauce, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and lightly blistered.

Step 7: Add the reserved sauce to the cooked green beans and stir to coat them evenly.

Step 8: To serve, place a portion of the hot cooked rice on each plate. Arrange the meatballs and green beans on top of the rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	672
Total Fat	32g (41%)
Saturated Fat	9g (47%)
Cholesterol	148mg (49%)
Sodium	868mg (38%)
Total Carbohydrates	56g (20%)
Dietary Fiber	6g (23%)
Total Sugars	23g
Protein	40g (80%)
Vitamin C	13mg (14%)
Calcium	207mg (16%)
Iron	7mg (38%)
Potassium	767mg (16%)

The Story Behind Hoisin-Glazed Meatballs

Hoisin-glazed meatballs are a fusion dish that blends traditional Asian flavors with Western comfort food. The origin of hoisin sauce itself dates back to Southern China, particularly Guangdong province, where it has been used for centuries as a sweet and savory condiment for meats and stir-fries. Over time, home cooks and chefs began experimenting by combining this flavorful sauce with classic meatball recipes, creating a dish that appeals to both Asian and Western palates. The combination of hoisin, honey, and sesame oil creates a rich glaze that enhances the natural taste of the meat.

Regional Variations

While the dish is inspired by Chinese cuisine, regional adaptations have emerged. In the United States, hoisin-glazed meatballs are often served as appetizers at parties or as a main course over rice or noodles. In Europe, some versions use pork or a mixture of beef and pork instead of solely beef. In Asia, chefs might add traditional aromatics such as star anise or Chinese five-spice powder to the glaze to deepen the flavor. Green vegetables, like green beans or bok choy, are commonly served alongside to balance the richness of the meatballs.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike classic Italian meatballs that rely on tomato-based sauces, hoisin-glazed meatballs are coated in a sweet, umami-rich sauce that caramelizes during cooking. The glaze provides a unique combination of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, thanks to the hoisin, honey, and rice vinegar. This makes the dish distinct from other glazed or sauced meatballs, such as teriyaki or barbecue meatballs, which typically have a different balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Typical Settings and Serving

Hoisin-glazed meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. They are popular at family dinners, casual gatherings, and holiday buffets. Restaurants may serve them as appetizers, often garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for visual appeal. When served as a main dish, they are typically paired with steamed rice or noodles and lightly sauted vegetables, creating a balanced meal that highlights both the meatballs and the glaze.

Interesting Facts

• The word "hoisin" comes from the Cantonese word for seafood, though the sauce itself contains no seafood; it was originally intended to complement seafood dishes.
• Hoisin sauce is naturally sweetened with sugar and fermented soybeans, giving it a complex, layered taste that intensifies when used as a glaze.
• Hoisin-glazed meatballs can be made with a variety of proteins, including chicken, turkey, or pork, making the recipe highly adaptable.
• The dish is a modern example of East-meets-West cuisine, highlighting how traditional Asian flavors have been incorporated into everyday comfort foods globally.
• Caramelizing the glaze on the meatballs adds texture and depth, turning simple meatballs into a visually appealing and flavorful dish.

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