Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are a delicious and easy dish perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. Tender meatballs simmer in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, creating a sweet and savory meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen fully-cooked meatballs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and honey if using.
2. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top and stir gently to coat the meatballs.
3. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure the meatballs are well coated with sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the meatballs.
5. Finish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy as a party appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier twist, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce base.
• Use ground turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter alternative.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is tamari or another gluten-free brand.
• Adding crushed pineapple chunks can enhance the tropical flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftover teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but cooking time may be shorter. Cook on Low for 3–4 hours or until meatballs are heated through and tender.

How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

You can simmer the sauce uncovered toward the end of cooking to reduce and thicken it naturally, or use arrowroot powder as a cornstarch substitute for the slurry.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 77 reviews

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are a delicious and easy make-ahead dish perfect for parties or a comforting family meal. Frozen meatballs are simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then thickened to a glossy finish. This recipe allows the flavors to meld beautifully during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh touch.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on Low or 2 to 3 hours on High
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (Low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (High)
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 2 pounds frozen fully-cooked meatballs

Teriyaki Sauce

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Thickening Slurry

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, packed brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger (or ground ginger), rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and honey if using, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
2. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen fully-cooked meatballs into the slow cooker pot in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs with the sauce.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low heat setting for 4 to 5 hours, or on High for 2 to 3 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated and the flavors are well combined.
5. Prepare the Slurry: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry that will thicken the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker gently. Cover and continue cooking on the same heat setting until the sauce thickens and clings to the meatballs, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Finish and Garnish: Once thickened, turn off the slow cooker. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a flavorful and visually appealing garnish.
8. Serve: Serve the teriyaki meatballs hot over steamed rice, cooked noodles, or enjoy them as a tasty party appetizer on their own.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger if preferred.
• If you like a sweeter sauce, add the optional honey as directed.
• Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
• The sauce thickens better if the slurry is added slowly and stirred in well.
• For gluten-free option, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, teriyaki meatballs, easy party appetizer, pineapple teriyaki sauce, slow cooker recipes