Ingredients

• Meatballs
• 1 lbs ground beef preferably not too lean, 80/20 works well
• 1/4 C finely grated Asian pear or apple if unavailable
• 3 green onions finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 C panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Glaze
• 1/3 C soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced red chili or julienned carrots for color optional

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• With slightly damp hands, form mixture into 1-inch meatballs (approximately 20-24) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and starting to brown (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
• While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients except the sesame seeds. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the sesame seeds.
• When the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour two-thirds of the glaze over them and gently toss until well-coated.
• Return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the glaze is caramelized and bubbling.
• Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with the remaining glaze, and sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili or carrots if using.
• Serve immediately with toothpicks for an appetizer, or over rice for a main dish.

Photos