When it comes to manly appetizers, not too many things pop into my head. The typical cheese plate, chips and salsa, or veggies and dip are all fine but for our friend’s Luau birthday party last weekend I wanted to make something both Hawaiian-y and meaty to start the party off right. I found this delectable looking meatball recipe on my saved Pinterest appetizer board and knew it fit the bill.

Making the meatballs was very easy and fast and I was able to prep them hours ahead of time, place them on the baking sheet, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate them until the party. Also, I made the sauce ahead of time and refrigerated it in a small bowl covered with plastic wrap too. About 20 minutes before the party was to start, I took out the sauce, preheated the oven and tossed the baking sheet in. It was extremely simple.

When the meatballs came out of the oven, I poured them into a large serving bowl and drizzled the sauce over top. They were a huge hit!! The birthday boy, as well as the other men and women at the party  all enjoyed them. I will definitely keep this recipe for future dinner parties.

Hoisin Asian Meatballs

Recipe By: Damn Delicious

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 18 meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 cup Panko
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

FOR THE HOISIN SAUCE

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sesame oil, Panko, ginger, egg, garlic and green onion. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined.

2. Roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs, forming about 18-20 meatballs. Place meatballs onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, or until all sides are browned and meatballs are cooked through.

3. To make the hoisin sauce, whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger in a small bowl.
Serve meatballs immediately with hoisin sauce, garnished with green onion and sesame seeds.

Freeze Ahead: Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers or on a baking sheet covered in foil. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove the foil and reheat in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes or microwave on microwaove-safe plate/dish, covered, on high until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary.