Asian meatballs in an addicting sweet and tangy sauce. This easy party appetizer is always quick to disappear!
I love making meatballs in the crockpot as an appetizer. This recipe has a fun twist. These juicy, tender meatballs have a sweet and tangy sauce coating them that is SO addictive! If you have never had Asian meatballs, you don’t know what you are missing. The sauce is the best, you’re going to want to put it on everything! They are perfect for an easy dinner or as appetizers for guests.
Ingredient Notes
- Meatballs: I used store bought.
- Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a sauce made from toasted mashed soybeans . It also contains vinegar, chili peppers, and sugar. Is your mouth watering yet?! It gives our meatballs that tangy sweet/sour taste that is often associated with Asian dishes.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds the perfect balance of acid to our dish.
- Soy Sauce: I used low sodium.
- Sesame Oil: Adds great flavor.
- Garlic
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds for Garnish
How To Make Asian Meatballs
Stove Top Version:
- In a large dutch oven, heat hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil. Add in meatballs and cook until heated through about 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Crock Pot Version:
- Combine meatballs, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in the slowcooker.
- Cook for 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Them?
These freeze well. You can also make a double batch and freeze half of them. Wait until the meatballs are cooked completely before putting them in an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to six months.
Can You Make Them Ahead?
There are several ways to make these ahead of time. You can make the raw meatballs and cook them the next day. You can also make the meatballs, including the sauce and ahead of time. Keep warm in the slow cooker while you wait for your guests to arrive.
Serve With
These go great alongside other party appetizers like cheeseburger sliders, crockpot little smokies, Chicken Wonton Tacos, chicken lettuce wraps, or jalapeno popper dip and of course crab rangoon.
Asian style meatballs can be served as a main dish over rice or noodles. They also pairs fantastically with roasted broccoli, sugar snap peas, or green beans.
Variations
- Make It Skinny: Use turkey meatballs instead.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few teaspoons of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use veggie meatballs instead.
- Make It Gluten Free: Substitute gluten free hoisin sauce, and coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Ensure your meatballs are gluten free as well.
Asian Meatballs
Ingredients
- 40 Meatballs Homemade or Frozen
- ⅔ Cup Hoisin Sauce
- ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Sesame Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds If Desired For Garnish
Instructions
On the Stove Top
- In a large dutch oven, combine hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Stir in meatballs and cook for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
Crock Pot Instructions
- Line slow cooker with a plastic liner or spray with non stick cooking spray.
- In prepared crock pot, stir meatballs, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook for 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition
If you’re looking for an addictive appetizer or an easy weeknight meal I hope you’ll try this recipe.
These look SOOO good and would be perfect with the broccoli! 🙂
The flavors in these meatballs are fantastic, I am obsessed!
I made these meatballs as an appetizer for a dinner party last night, and everyone loved them! I think they were a bigger hit than the actual dinner!