One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

Have you ever walked through your door after a long day, absolutely famished but with zero energy to tackle a complicated dinner? That’s exactly when these One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs come to the rescue. They’re the perfect solution when you crave something deeply satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The magic of these One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs lies in their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy meatballs bathed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that’s miles better than anything store-bought. The aroma that fills your kitchen—fresh ginger, garlic, and the rich caramelization of the sauce—creates an irresistible invitation to dinner that no one can refuse.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a protein-packed meal prep option, these One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

• ✅ Healthy recipe meal prep options save you time throughout the week
• ✅ Flavorful recipefor family gatherings that even picky eaters will devour
• ✅ Homemade recipe in 30 minutes make weeknight cooking a breeze
• ✅ Gluten-free recipe variations accessible for those with dietary restrictions
• ✅ Protein-packed recipeideas perfect for post-workout meals
• ✅ Quick recipe with rice create a complete meal with minimal cleanup

Ingredients for One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 pound grass-fed ground beef
• 1/2 pound organic ground pork
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 3 tablespoons blanched almond flour (or tapioca flour for nut-free option)
• 1/2-3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 3 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 1/2 cups very hot water
• 1/2 cup coconut aminos
• 3 cloves garlic, cut into pieces
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon tapioca flour (or arrowroot)

How to Make One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs – Step by Step

Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: In a small bowl, soak the pitted dates in the hot water for about 10 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Transfer the dates and soaking water to a blender. Add coconut aminos, garlic pieces, ginger pieces, and vinegar. Blend until completely smooth.

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the tapioca flour with 2 tablespoons of the blended sauce to create a slurry. Set aside.

Making the Meatballs

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, coconut aminos, almond flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Form the mixture into 16-20 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 6: Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.

Step 7: Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through completely at this stage.

Bringing It All Together

Step 8: Pour the blended sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 9: Stir in the tapioca flour slurry. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.

Step 10: Garnish with plenty of sliced green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

• For savory recipe sauce recipe success, make sure to blend the dates thoroughly for a smooth texture. If you don’t have dates, you can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture, which can make your meatballs tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• For Easy recipe for weeknight dinner, prep the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To ensure even cooking, make all meatballs roughly the same size. A cookie scoop works perfectly for this.
• If you’re making recipe with vegetables, add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.

Best Ways to Serve One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

These versatile recipe can be served in numerous delicious ways:

1. Classic serving: Over steamed white or brown rice with extra sauce spooned on top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
2. Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
3. Party appetizer: Serve recipe for game day snacks by skewering each meatball with a toothpick for easy grabbing.
4. Complete meal: Create Quick recipe with rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced dinner.
5. Lettuce cups: Serve in butter lettuce leaves with sliced carrots, cucumbers, and extra green onions for a fresh approach.

Nutritional Information for One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

Per serving (4 meatballs with sauce):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 580mg

These Protein-packed One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs ideas make for a nutritionally balanced meal, especially when paired with vegetables and a moderate serving of whole grains.

Storage & Leftovers

These One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

For Healthy One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs meal prep, portion into individual containers with rice and steamed vegetables for grab-and-go lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs

How long do you bake teriyaki meatballs?

If you prefer to bake rather than pan-fry, arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes. Then transfer to a skillet with the sauce to finish.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute with 1 cup of store-bought teriyaki sauce, though the homemade version in this Savory One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs sauce recipe offers better flavor and healthier ingredients.

What can I serve with teriyaki meatballs?

Rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple Asian-inspired slaw all pair beautifully with Flavorful One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs for family meals.

Are teriyaki meatballs gluten-free?

This recipe for Gluten-free One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs variations is naturally gluten-free when made with coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce and tapioca or arrowroot flour instead of wheat flour.

Conclusion

These One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs represent the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor. With just one pan, you can create a dish that’s equally suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive offering for guests. The combination of juicy meatballs and homemade teriyaki sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent but is actually made with wholesome, clean ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for Easy One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs for weeknight dinner or planning your weekly Healthy One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs meal prep, this versatile recipe has you covered. The best part? You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup afterward.

Have you tried making these One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs? Let us know in the comments below how they turned out for you and any creative ways you served them!

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