Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining sweet pineapple juice and savory soy sauce, these meatballs simmer to tender perfection with a glossy, thickened teriyaki sauce.

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. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and honey if using until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure the meatballs are well coated.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
6. Step 6: Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to the meatballs.
7. Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy over steamed rice, noodles, or as a party appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
• Use ground ginger powder if fresh ginger is not available, but fresh will give a brighter flavor.
• Swap pineapple juice for orange juice for a slightly different fruity element.
• To make the dish gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free brand.
• Leftover meatballs can be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh uncooked meatballs can be used but will require longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. Adjust slow cooker time accordingly, usually 6-7 hours on low.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just pour it over meatballs when ready to cook.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs recipe offers a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy tender meatballs coated in a rich and sweet teriyaki sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Perfect for a family dinner or party appetizer, these meatballs cook low and slow to develop deep flavors and a luscious sauce that thickens beautifully before serving.

• Author: Amaya
• 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
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Halal

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)

Slurry for Thickening

• 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, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger (or ground ginger), rice vinegar, and honey if you choose to use it. This combination creates the flavorful base for the teriyaki sauce that will coat the meatballs.
2. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen fully-cooked meatballs directly into the slow cooker. This allows them to slowly absorb the sauce and stay tender during cooking.
3. Pour the Sauce Over Meatballs: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure the meatballs are well coated with the sauce.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to help them soak up the sauce more evenly.
5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to the meatballs.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, garnish the meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. Serve the meatballs hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy them as a tasty party appetizer.

Notes

• Using frozen fully-cooked meatballs saves time and ensures even cooking in the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add the optional honey along with the other sauce ingredients.
• The cornstarch slurry is essential to thicken the sauce near the end of cooking for a glossy finish.
• You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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