Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs Recipe
This Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs recipe, created by @realfoodbydad, is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite. Featuring tender meatballs coated in a vibrant sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and fresh ginger, this dish is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for gatherings or as a flavorful starter to tide guests over before the main meal, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at any occasion.
Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs Recipe
6
servings5
minutes1
hour210
kcalIngredients
5 medium garlic cloves
2 shallots
2 serrano peppers, seeded
3-inch knob fresh ginger
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 cup gochujang sauce
2/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup mirin
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 (24 oz) package frozen meatballs, homemade or store-bought
Directions
- In a mini food processor, pulse garlic, shallots, serrano peppers, ginger, fish sauce, and lime juice until pureed. Scrape the mixture into the slow cooker. Whisk in the gochujang sauce, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water to the slow cooker. Add the meatballs and set the slow cooker to low for 1 hour.
- Transfer 2 cups of the sauce from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer until sauce is reduced by 25 percent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the slow cooker and dip in the sauce. To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chives on top.
Tips for Success
- For a milder flavor, reduce the number of serrano peppers or remove all seeds to control the heat level.
- Use a high-quality gochujang sauce for authentic Korean flavor; adjust the amount slightly if you prefer a less spicy sauce.
- If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker to maintain their shape.
- The reduced sauce can be thickened further by simmering for an additional minute or two if a stickier glaze is desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Asian meatballs as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or pair with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad for a more substantial dish. Complement the meal with other Asian-inspired sides like spring rolls or edamame. A refreshing iced green tea or sparkling water with lime makes a great beverage pairing to balance the bold flavors.
This Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs recipe is a quick and flavorful option for entertaining or casual gatherings. The slow cooker simplifies preparation, while the vibrant, sweet-spicy sauce ensures these meatballs are a memorable and addictive treat for any occasion.
