Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs recipe is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce. Made with frozen fully-cooked meatballs simmered in a pineapple juice and soy sauce base, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, and thickened to perfection, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Sauce Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, packed brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and honey if using, until the sugar dissolves and ingredients are well combined.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen fully-cooked meatballs into the slow cooker evenly. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat them all well with the sauce.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on High setting for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the meatballs gently about halfway through cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking.
- Thicken the Sauce: Approximately 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the meatballs, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the slow cooker. Garnish the teriyaki meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or as a savory party appetizer for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Using fully-cooked frozen meatballs saves preparation time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slurry slightly but add gradually to avoid clumping.
- Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a different fruity flavor.
- Try serving over steamed vegetables or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Adjust honey quantity or omit if you want a less sweet sauce.
Keywords: slow cooker teriyaki meatballs, easy teriyaki meatballs, slow cooker recipes, party appetizer meatballs, pineapple teriyaki sauce
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/slow-cooker-teriyaki-meatballs-recipe/
