There is something about the sweet and tangy of Teriyaki that I just love. Teriyaki Meatballs are a welcome addition in my book. My boys love them too!
Meatballs smothered in a sweet Teriyaki sauce are always welcome at my table. Over the years we have made all kinds of meatballs including Sweet and Sour Meatballs, which are a family favorite by the way!
I think we just enjoy these bite sized balls we can pop in our mouths.
Serves 6 | Perfect or Dinner or Appetizer | 6 Qt Instant Pot
Let's talk for a moment about how quick this recipe is. Forget about Teriyaki Meatballs being easy. Let's focus on QUICK!
As a busy mom, and kids needing to be taxi'd to and from dance, music, sports, appointments etc by the end of the day you are wiped out that is if you make it home in time to think about "What's for Dinner?"
In 90 seconds or less you can throw together the ingredients for this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Throw in some meatballs and set your Instant Pot to Zero (0) minutes on High Pressure.
Zero (0) minutes may seem strange. Trust me, I know! But set your Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) High for Zero (0) minutes.
The meatballs and the Teriyaki Sauce will all cook while it's coming to pressure.
That's IT! Teriyaki Meatballs couldn't be easier. The Teriyaki sauce will thicken while it cooks and when it's done, it's DONE! Now that is one QUICK dinner.
What to have with Teriyaki Meatballs
It's always a great question to ask "What to serve with Teriyaki Meatballs?" and really the answer depends on what type of meatballs you are serving.
Teriyaki Meatballs are wonderful served over rice or a rice noodle. Teriyaki Meatballs are also paired well with a garden salad and ginger dressing.
How to Cook Teriyaki Meatballs
Cooking Teriyaki Meatballs can be done in the Instant Pot very quickly or in a Crock Pot. Both turn out very well, it's just a matter of time.
Instant Pot
I honestly LOVE my Instant Pot. Some recipes save me so much time and this is one of them because of how easy they are to make in the Instant Pot.
Teriyaki Meatballs are made in about 10 minutes total time. Who doesn't love that? I sure do.
I mix my Teriyaki Sauce in the Instant Pot and throw frozen meatballs on top. Close the lid and pressure for 0 minute. YES, you read that correctly. Zero minutes.
The meatballs begin cooking the second the Instant Pot is started. The rapid heat and steam from the Instant Pot, make this possible to cook while it's coming to pressure.
Once cooked you can then Quick Release (QR) the pressure and open the lid. Dinner is served!
How to make Teriyaki Meatballs in Slow Cooker?
I also still use my Crock Pot or Slow Cooker. In fact I still have 3! I'm a firm believer that there is more than one way to skin a cat, and cooking is included in that thought process.
So pull out your Crock Pot/Slow Cooker and make these Terriyaki Meatballs.
Follow the directions for the Stove Top adding the cornstarch at the very end after the meatballs have cooked and only to thicken the sauce.
Frozen Meatballs will take about 60 minutes on high to cook or 90-120 on low.
What is Teriyaki?
A Japanese style of Cooking where foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet and tangy glaze of soy cause and sugars.
Looking for just the Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, we've got you covered with that too!
Make sure to PIN Teriyaki Meatballs for Later!
Do you love Meatballs as much as we do? Try these other great recipes!
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Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Small Frozen Meatballs
- 1 Cup water
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
- 4 Tbls Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbls Honey
- ½ teaspoon Ginger
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup water
- 3 Tbls Corn Starch
Instructions
- Instant Pot Directions:
- In the Instant Pot add 1 Cup COLD water, Brown Sugar, Garlic, Ginger, Honey and Soy Sauce and Stir.
- In a separate bowl combine ¼ Cup water and 3 Tbs Corn Starch and pour into Instant Pot
- Add Frozen Meatballs
- Set Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) High Pressure for 0 (Zero) Minutes.
- Quick Release and Turn off Instant Pot. Open Lid and Stir Meatballs and Sauce
- Serve over Rice
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Jennifer N
I followed the directions perfectly, but I still got a burn notice. 🙁 Do you think it's because I used an 8-quart IP?
The other problem was that the sauce turned gelatinous. Any idea why? The flavors were great and my kids loved it! I will definitely make it again!
Devour Dinner
It's likely because an 8qt requires a bit more thin liquid to pressure up.
Cathi
Tantalizingly on the tastebuds and so easy to make. Made this for grandsons this week and they licked their plate clean. Love your demos.
Devour Dinner
Hi Cathi, I loved hear things. This is a great recipe to make when you are short on time too.
Cathi Vanderwell
Absolutely tantalizing on the tastebuds and easy to make. Made this dish for grandsons this week and they loved it. Love your Sunday demos.
Devour Dinner
Hi Cathi, Thanks for watching my Instant Pot Recipe Demo's. They are sure fun to connect and teach some tips and tricks!
Daisy
Can I use a bottle of teriyaki sauce instead of making it?
Devour Dinner
Hi Daisy, You can always add a jar of bottled Teriyaki Sauce. However when pressuring cooking you will need at least 1 cup of thin liquid to pressure cook. You would be best to cook meatballs and then add the bottled sauce when serving
Cathi
Hubby and I loved this recipe, he wants to know when it will be in the rotation. Easy to make and oh so tasty.
msSally
This looks so yummy!
Wonder if you could add pineapple tidbits and bell pepper? When would you add them?
Thanks
Devour Dinner
Hi Ms Sally! You can add Pineapple Tidbits and Bell Pepper if you wish. In fact it would be VERY similar to my Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe. Give it a try!
https://www.devourdinner.com/sweet-and-sour-meatballs/
Amanda
Can this be done with fresh made meatballs that are not frozen? I'd like to make my own meatballs, as we are not fond of the frozen ones.
Devour Dinner
Hi Amanda, you can of course make fresh meatballs, however the cooking time would change and could vary depending on the size of your meatballs. I would suggest browning them on all sides first and then pressure cooking for a couple of minutes. Make sure to test the internal temperature to make sure they are cooked through!
kaylie mancil
My sauce and meatballs burned to the bottom. I followed directions to a T. Any idea why?
Devour Dinner
Hi Kaylie!
I'm sorry to hear you had the burn notice. A number of factors could come into play. If the pot had anything stuck to the bottom before cooking you would get a burn notice. Also, with this recipe it's important to use cold water and once the cornstarch is added you can not stir as that will cause the liquid to become thick too quickly which could result in not enough thin liquid to come to pressure or cause a burn notice. This is a recipe we make often and I have not had a burn notice with it. Maybe these ideas will help you next time you try this recipe!
Alesia
Why doesn't this recipe say how long to set the Instant Pot? It says zero minutes
Devour Dinner
Alesia, I know it seems confusing but great question. You set to Zero 0 minutes by pressing the +/- button to reach 0. This recipe cooks for 0 minutes which means it will get hot, pressure up and then beep. That is all the time it needs to cook! It's wonderful!
mayra
why wouldn't this state the size bag? there is no standard size bag of meatballs...
Devour Dinner
I'm sorry. A Small bag of meatballs has about 32-26 appetizer size meatballs in it! Hope that helps!
Alberto
Hello and thanks for such a delicious recipe. Do you use fresh minced or ginger powder?
Devour Dinner
Hi Alberto, I use Ginger Powder. You can use Fresh Minced, but I would adjust the amount if using fresh.
Tina
Just wondering, can this be doubled in a 6 quart IP? I would like to make for a party appetizer.
Devour Dinner
Hi Tina! I think you could double this recipe just fine in a 6qt without any problems and they would make a great appetizer! Have fun!