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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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)

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

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/slow-cooker-teriyaki-meatballs-recipe/