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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs combine convenience with bold, sweet-savory flavors perfect for busy weeknights and potluck gatherings. The dish features frozen meatballs smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce enriched with pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic, finished with a glossy glaze and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 2 pounds frozen fully-cooked meatballs
Teriyaki Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey optional, for extra sweetness
Sauce Thickener
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry
Garnish
  • sesame seeds
  • chopped green onions

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Stirring spoon
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, packed brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and honey if using. The mixture should look glossy and aromatic.
  2. Place the frozen fully-cooked meatballs into your slow cooker.
  3. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the meatballs and stir gently to coat all the meatballs.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or on High for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating of the sauce.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
  6. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, replace the lid, and let cook for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  7. Just before serving, give the meatballs one final stir, transfer them to a serving dish, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

This easy teriyaki meatball recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. You can swap pineapple juice with orange or apple juice, and use plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian twist. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the sauce to thicken into a beautiful, sticky glaze. Serve over rice, noodles, or even on slider buns for an unexpected twist.