These slow cooker Asian-style meatballs are a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together with very little effort. As they warm in the crockpot, the sauce gradually coats each meatball with a sweet and savory glaze made from hoisin, soy sauce, and honey.
In a bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the meatballs.
Toss the meatballs to ensure they’re fully coated with the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for 1–2 hours or on low for 2–4 hours, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the sauce.
Once the meatballs are cooked, sprinkle them with diced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
If using frozen meatballs, choose homestyle instead of Italian-style so the seasoning doesn’t overpower the Asian-inspired sauce.
The recipe can easily be doubled. If making a larger batch, use an 8-quart crockpot for best results.
Helpful Tips
Make your own meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, homemade ones can bring more flavor. Mixing ingredients like minced ginger, garlic, and green onions into the meat can give them a more authentic taste.
Adjust the sauce: You can tweak the sauce to suit your preference. Add more honey if you like it sweeter, or increase the soy sauce slightly for a saltier balance. A spoonful of chili paste or sriracha can add some heat if you enjoy spicy food.
Use low-sodium soy sauce: For a lighter version, choose low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without losing flavor.
Avoid overcooking: If you’re using pre-cooked frozen meatballs, the goal is simply to heat them and let them absorb the sauce. Cooking them too long may cause them to become dry.
Add toppings for extra texture: A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds both crunch and freshness. Red chili flakes can also be added for a little spice.
Serve extra sauce on the side: If serving these as party appetizers, reserving a little sauce for dipping can keep the meatballs extra juicy.