Who here loves MEATBALLS?! These Asian meatballs are sweet, savory, and so simple that the slow cooker does the work while you get dinner, snacks, or party bites on the table fast.
Tender meatballs simmer in a glossy hoisin, soy, and garlic sauce, turning out saucy, crowd-pleasing bites that disappear in a flash. We sprinkled them with sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for the perfect finishing touch. Just add toothpicks or serve them with rice!
If you love meatballs too, you might also enjoy Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Barbecue Pineapple Meatballs, or Crockpot Meatballs.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- 10 minutes of prep. We love a crockpot appetizer that you just mix and let simmer. Easy!
- A favorite shortcut. Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe a breeze!
- Appetizer or main dish. Serve with white rice or noodles or add toothpicks, making them great for a party!
Asian Meatballs Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs (½ of a 32-ounce bag) – Frozen meatballs keep this ultra quick and soak up the flavorful sauce as they warm. You can use frozen ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or ground beef meatballs.
- Hoisin sauce (½ cup) – This sauce adds sweet, savory depth and creates that glossy, clingy glaze.
- Rice vinegar (¼ cup) – Vinegar brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness with a gentle tang. Apple cider vinegar is a good alternative.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons) – Soy sauce brings salty umami that rounds out the flavor.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon) – Garlic infuses the meatballs with warm, aromatic flavor as they simmer; see How to Mince Garlic for tips.
- Sesame seeds – Sesame seeds add a nutty finish and a little crunch on top.
- Green onions – Green onions give a fresh bite and pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Asian Meatballs
MEATBALLS. Place frozen meatballs in a slow cooker.
SAUCE. In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour over meatballs and mix until coated.
HEAT. Cook on LOW for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
SERVE. Top with sesame seeds and green onions before serving, and ENJOY!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- If you make your own meatballs, then be sure to brown them in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot.
- If the sauce is too thick near the end, splash in a tablespoon of water and stir to loosen.
- Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Serving ideas, set out with toothpicks for parties, or spoon over rice or noodles with steamed veggies.
Asian Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ (32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- sesame seeds
- green onions
Instructions
- Place meatballs in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, vinegar, soy sauce and minced garlic. Pour over meatballs and mix until coated.
- Cook on LOW for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions before serving, and ENJOY!
Notes
- If you make your own meatballs, then be sure to brown them in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot.
- If the sauce is too thick near the end, splash in a tablespoon of water and stir to loosen.
- Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Serving ideas, set out with toothpicks for parties, or spoon over rice or noodles with steamed veggies
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Mix the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
Keep leftovers (with the sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or stovetop until warmed through.
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Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker.
This post was originally published January 2018.
Can I cook on low for 8 hours while I’m at work during the day?
Definitely! Hope you like it!!
yum yummy, thanks
My family loves this recipe!!! It is so easy and so flavorful! This recipe made it on our rotation because no one complains and everyone eats it!! Winner!
What changes are needed to the cooking time if you used fresh ground beef?
That is a good question. I haven’t tried using fresh ground beef. They probably wouldn’t take the 4 hours, but still maybe the 2. You can check them at 2 hours & see if they need more time or not.
Dear Kristyn, I truly enjoy your recipes ! Very happy to find this one. Have a healthy and prosperous 2018. !
Awe, thank you so very much!! You too 🙂
love meatballs, nice source of quick protein and a great snack, always nice to see a new tweak, like the Asian flavors here, at least for me, so thank you for this recipe!
You are so welcome!! Aren’t they so good with the Asian flavors? They are a new favorite! Thanks so much!