Mediterranean Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

🌿 Mediterranean Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs combine classic Mediterranean herbs with a sticky honey-garlic glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy. Great for dinner, meal prep, or serving as appetizers.

🧾 Ingredients

🧆 Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground meat
  (beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey all work)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)

• 1 egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

🍯 Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½–1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except olive oil.

2. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

3. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs

Pan Method (recommended):

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (8–10 minutes).

3. Remove and set aside.

OR Oven Method:

• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, lower heat to medium.

2. Add olive oil and garlic; sauté 30 seconds.

3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, chili flakes, and paprika.

4. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Add cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze.

4. Combine

1. Add meatballs back into the pan.

2. Toss to coat in sauce.

3. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sticky and glossy.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Over couscous, rice, or orzo

• With warm pita and tzatziki

• As party appetizers with toothpicks

• With a Greek-style salad

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the meatballs and store them separately from the sauce for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat together before serving.

Q: Can I make them less spicy?

Absolutely.

• Reduce or skip chili flakes

• Add a little extra honey to balance heat

Q: Can I make them more spicy?

Yes!

• Add extra chili flakes

• Stir in a small amount of hot sauce or chili paste

Q: Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes.

• Freeze cooked meatballs without sauce for up to 3 months

• Thaw, reheat, then add fresh sauce

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes.

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs

• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

Q: What meat works best?

• Lamb → most Mediterranean flavor

• Beef → rich and juicy

• Chicken/Turkey → lighter and healthier