Sticky glazed meatballs with rice and sesame
Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Sticky glazed meatballs with rice and sesame
Tender chicken meatballs coated in a glossy teriyaki glaze for an easy dinner that also holds up well in lunch containers.
20m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Teriyaki meatballs work because they take a familiar flavor profile and make it more meal-prep friendly. The glaze clings well, the meatballs stay tender, and the whole plate feels clean and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup panko
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and scallions for serving
Instructions
- 1
Mix the chicken, egg, panko, and a pinch of salt and roll into meatballs.
- 2
Bake the meatballs at 425°F until cooked through.
- 3
Simmer the soy sauce, mirin, honey, and cornstarch slurry until glossy.
- 4
Toss the meatballs in the glaze.
- 5
Finish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
MirinA little sugar plus water
That keeps the teriyaki balance close if mirin is unavailable
PankoCrushed rice crackers
That gives a slightly different texture but still binds the mixture
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Mirin
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the mirin matters
Mirin quietly rounds out sauces like this with sweetness and gloss. It is one of those ingredients you notice more when it is missing.
This adds balance, not just sweetness.
- Rounds out saltier sauces
- Useful in glazes, noodle dishes, and marinades
A bottle of mirin becomes surprisingly versatile once it is in the pantry.
Shop mirin for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use wet hands when rolling the meatballs so the mixture stays manageable.
Serve with rice and a quick cucumber salad for an easy full meal.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories330
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein24g
Carbohydrates15g
Fat18g
Fiber0g
Sugar7g
Sodium710mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use turkey?
- Yes. Ground turkey works almost the same way here.
- Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
- Yes, though baking is easier for a full batch.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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