Pork Teriyaki Meatballs

Pork teriyaki meatballs are a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors wrapped into tender bite-sized pieces—perfect as an appetizer or a simple weeknight meal. Ground pork stays wonderfully moist, while scallions and garlic add aromatic depth. The quick homemade teriyaki-style sauce brings everything together with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a touch of heat from sambal.

These meatballs bake in the oven after browning, giving you all the flavor of pan-seared meat with fewer splatters and more even cooking. Once glazed, they become glossy, sticky, and irresistible—ideal for serving over rice, skewering for parties, or offering alongside vegetables for a lighter meal. They’re also a great make-ahead option, as the flavors continue to develop after cooking.

What I Love About This Recipe

• Tender, flavorful meatballs. Ground pork creates moist, juicy meatballs that hold their shape, while scallions and garlic provide layered savory flavor.
• Balanced homemade teriyaki glaze. The sauce is sweet, tangy, salty, and lightly spicy—made from simple pantry staples but tastes restaurant-worthy.
• Quick stovetop-to-oven cooking. Browning on the stovetop builds flavor, and baking ensures the meatballs cook evenly without constant tending.
• Versatile serving options. These meatballs can be served as party appetizers, added to rice bowls, paired with noodles, or enjoyed in lettuce wraps.
• Easily doubled or prepped ahead. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, as they reheat beautifully and can be frozen before or after cooking.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground pork – Offers a tender, juicy texture and absorbs flavors well. If using leaner pork, consider adding a splash of milk or a bit more panko to keep them moist.
• Green onions – Add mild onion flavor and freshness. Use both white and light green parts in the mixture and reserve some dark green tops for garnish.
• Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to both the meatballs and sauce. Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
• Egg – Binds the mixture so the meatballs hold together without drying out.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Keep the meatballs light and tender. Regular breadcrumbs can be used but may create a denser texture.
• Soy sauce – Use low-sodium to control saltiness. It provides the base for the teriyaki flavor.
• Brown sugar – Sweetens the sauce and helps create a glossy glaze.
• Rice vinegar – Adds tanginess that balances the sweet and salty elements.
• Ginger – Fresh or paste works. Adds warmth and brightness.
• Sambal – Gives gentle heat; adjust to taste or substitute sriracha.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the meatballs.

Steps to Make Pork Teriyaki Meatballs

1. Combine the pork, scallions, garlic, egg, and panko in a bowl. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the texture dense.
2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate. Smaller meatballs brown more quickly and glaze nicely.
3. Brown the meatballs in a skillet with oil to develop flavor and color. Turn them carefully to brown multiple sides.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking. Baking ensures the centers reach a safe temperature without burning the exterior.
5. Prepare the sauce by whisking all the ingredients together so the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is evenly incorporated.
6. Drain excess fat from the skillet, return it to the heat, and pour in the sauce. Stir as it thickens and coats the meatballs.
7. Serve warm, garnished with green onion tops if desired.

Pro Tips

• Mix gently to keep the meatballs tender rather than compact and dense.
• Use a scoop to portion the meat evenly for uniform cooking.
• Brown thoroughly before baking to build maximum flavor.
• Simmer the sauce briefly—just long enough for it to thicken and coat the meatballs without overreducing.
• Rest briefly before serving so the glaze sets slightly and becomes even stickier.

Recipe Variations

• Pineapple teriyaki meatballs. Add crushed pineapple to the sauce or serve the meatballs with sautéed pineapple for extra sweetness.
• Chicken or turkey version. Substitute ground poultry but be sure not to overcook; poultry dries out faster.
• Sweet and spicy version. Add honey or maple syrup and increase sambal for a bold sweet-heat glaze.
• Sesame finish. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished meatballs for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Noodle bowl meal. Serve over rice noodles with snap peas, carrots, or steamed broccoli for a full dinner.

How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs

• Serve them with instant pot rice or coconut rice.
• Add color to your meal with a stir-fry of peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots.
• Serve with sesame noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Add a refreshing Thai cucumber salad to your pork meatball meal.
• Make it a low-carb meal with cauliflower fried rice.

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftover meatballs and sauce for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors continue to improve after chilling.
• Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Freeze sauce separately to maintain texture.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving too long, which can toughen the meat.