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asian meatballs chinese pork meatballs char siew style
Sofia

asian meatballs chinese pork meatballs char siew style

Juicy, tender pork meatballs glazed in a sweet, sticky, and savory char siu-style sauce. Packed with bold Chinese BBQ flavor—perfect as an appetizer, meal prep, or with rice bowls.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon five-spice powder optional
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • For the Glaze:
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven:
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  3. Make the Meatballs:
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, sesame oil, five-spice powder, black pepper, and green onions. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
  5. Shape and Bake:
  6. Form mixture into 1½-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
  7. Make the Glaze:
  8. While the meatballs bake, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
  9. Glaze the Meatballs:
  10. Remove meatballs from the oven and toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. For stickier results, return glazed meatballs to the oven for 2–3 minutes.
  11. Serve:
  12. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve over rice, noodles, or with toothpicks as a party appetizer.

Notes

  • Meal prep: Store glazed meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze raw or cooked meatballs. Thaw and bake or reheat with fresh glaze.
  • Flavor boost: Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Ground alternatives: Ground chicken or turkey can be used in place of pork.