These juicy, baked BBQ rooster meatballs are tossed in a candy and savory Japanese BBQ sauce. They’re straightforward to make, and excellent for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or celebration appetizers!
I used to be planning to make my buffalo rooster meatballs one evening for dinner, however realized I wanted one thing much less spicy and a bit extra kid-friendly. I had a bottle of Japanese BBQ sauce within the fridge and figured—why not strive that as an alternative?
Let me simply say… it was an excellent name. These BBQ rooster meatballs turned out so flavorful, and each kiddos devoured them and not using a single grievance (which, let’s be trustworthy, looks like a small miracle). They have been such a success, I knew I needed to share the recipe with you!
Why You Gotta Attempt This One
This recipe has simply turn out to be a brand new favourite in our home. These BBQ rooster meatballs are made with easy substances, baked within the oven (no frying mess!), and coated in a candy and savory Japanese BBQ sauce. I like how versatile they’re — excellent for fast weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving as a celebration app.
And let’s be actual, I’m at all times on the hunt for meals that fulfill each Isaac and me and nonetheless get the thumbs-up from the children. This one checks all of the bins. The meatballs are tender, stuffed with daring, smoky-sweet taste, and really feel far more enjoyable than your common weeknight dinner. Better part? Every thing comes collectively in a single bowl and bakes in underneath 20 minutes. I’ve been doubling the recipe and loving the leftovers for fast, no-stress meals all week lengthy!
Components Wanted
- floor rooster – the protein-packed base of the meatballs. I like utilizing floor rooster for a lighter, leaner choice, nevertheless it nonetheless seems tremendous moist and flavorful.
- Japanese BBQ sauce – this offers the meatballs their daring, sweet-savory taste. Not like conventional American BBQ sauce, which is normally thick, smoky, or tangy, Japanese BBQ sauce is thinner and extra glaze-like, with wealthy umami notes from soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and sesame. It provides a deliciously distinctive twist! I used Bachan’s Authentic Sauce, however any selection you like will work. Use their gluten-free model if wanted.
- egg – helps bind all the things collectively so the meatballs maintain their form whereas baking.
- yellow onion – provides moisture and taste. You may also use the white a part of a inexperienced onion when you favor a milder style.
- almond flour – retains the meatballs gluten-free and helps them keep tender. You’ll be able to sub with ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs if that’s what you have got available.
- seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt & black pepper) – this combo brings in savory depth, enhances the umami, and balances the candy BBQ taste. Simply easy pantry staples, however they make an enormous distinction!
Change It Up!
These BBQ rooster meatballs are tremendous versatile, and there are many straightforward methods to modify them up relying on what you’re craving or what you’ve obtained within the fridge:
- Swap the sauce: I used Japanese BBQ sauce for that daring, barely candy umami taste, however be happy to make use of any store-bought BBQ sauce you like. Or make my do-it-yourself wholesome BBQ sauce — it’s made with pantry staples and no refined sugar!
- Change up the protein: Floor beef or floor turkey works simply as properly if that’s what you have got available. You would additionally strive my baked turkey meatballs for a special model.
The best way to Make BBQ Hen Meatballs
Step 1: In a big bowl, mix the bottom rooster, Japanese BBQ sauce, egg, onion, almond flour, and seasonings.
Step 2: Scoop and roll the combination into meatballs utilizing your fingers (moist your fingers if the combination is sticky!).
Step 3: Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 16–18 minutes, or till absolutely cooked by means of.
Step 4: Toss the baked meatballs in additional BBQ sauce and serve heat.
Brittany’s Recipe Ideas!
Just some easy ideas to assist these meatballs come out completely juicy, flavorful, and prepared for no matter you’re serving them with:
- Don’t overmix the meat: You need all the things simply mixed so the meatballs keep tender, not powerful.
- Use a cookie scoop: It makes portioning tremendous straightforward and helps each meatball cook dinner evenly (plus, no messy fingers).
- Moist your fingers: If the combination feels sticky, dampen your fingers with a bit water. It makes rolling method simpler and smoother.
- Line your pan: Parchment paper or a silicone mat retains cleanup fast and prevents sticking.
- Examine the temp: When you’ve got a meat thermometer, search for 165ºF within the heart.
Serving Strategies
These BBQ rooster meatballs are the sort of recipe that works nearly wherever. I like making an enormous batch for straightforward weeknight dinners, however they’re additionally excellent for cookouts, recreation days, meal prep, or celebration spreads. Tender, saucy, and tremendous satisfying — there’s actually no incorrect option to get pleasure from them.
Attempt serving them:
- With roasted broccoli or sautéed inexperienced beans.
- Over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice with an additional drizzle of sauce.
- Tucked into lettuce wraps or sliders for a enjoyable celebration choice.
- As a celebration app, add them to a sluggish cooker with additional sauce and carry on heat for recreation day or gatherings.
The best way to Retailer & Reheat
Let the meatballs cool fully, then retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. To reheat, merely heat them within the microwave or on the stovetop till heated by means of.
Additionally they freeze properly! Place the cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze till strong, then switch to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than warming.
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