Description
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs recipe features tender frozen meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce enhanced with garlic and fresh ginger. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or served over rice or noodles for a comforting main dish, this easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and is ideal for slow cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Slurry (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add meatballs to slow cooker: Place the frozen meatballs evenly into your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Coat meatballs with sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook in slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on the high setting for 2 to 3 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Add this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to help thicken the sauce around the meatballs.
- Garnish the meatballs: Once the meatballs are hot and coated with a glossy glaze, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki meatballs warm, either as an appetizer or over cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce according to your preference.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Frozen meatballs can be substituted with fresh cooked meatballs if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds add both flavor and texture.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables for a full meal.