Sticky Meatballs

In VOLUME, this sauce is served with boneless chicken. It is a versatile sauce and therefore also delicious with meatballs of any kind. Both the sauce and the meatballs are components of preparation that can be done ahead of time if that is helpful to your meal schedule.

I find with this sweet sauce that pork is a great pairing to it, and not only that but often it is priced lower than beef. Considering how the protein portion size tends to increase due to the deliciousness of this meal, it is perfect that we can reduce the meal price by using ground pork! Enjoy!

Sticky Sauce:

Ketchup 1/3 cup

Honey ¼ cup

Soy sauce 3 Tbs

Brown sugar ¼ cup

Garlic powder ½ tsp

Pork Meatballs:

Ground pork* 2 lbs (908g)

Ketchup 2 Tbs

Paprika 1 Tbs

Salt, fine 2 tsp

Oregano 2 tsp

Dried Chopped Onion 2 tsp

Rice vinegar 1 tsp

Dijon mustard 1 tsp

Chili powder 1 tsp

Black pepper 1 tsp

To prepare the sauce:

1. Bring all ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking occasionally.

2. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. 

3. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 months.

To prepare the meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix all the meatball ingredients together in a bowl. *Note: for an alternative to pork, try this recipe with ground turkey.

2. Divide the meat mixture into meatballs, either using a small portion scoop or just by hand; balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Remember even sizing means even cooking. Place onto the prepared sheet pan, touching. Place the filled pan into preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until fully cooked. 

3. Remove from oven and transfer the meatballs (without the liquid) to a casserole dish or pan with raised sides. Pour prepared Sticky Sauce over top of the meatballs, cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for another 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling. 

4. Remove from oven and serve over steamed rice or tossed with rice vermicelli noodles, alongside cooked mixed vegetables or blanched broccoli pieces.

{Dairy-free. Substitute gluten-free soy sauce in the Sticky sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.}