Asian Crockpot Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Asian Crockpot Meatballs are sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky—coated in a flavorful sauce and slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Perfect for party appetizers, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, these effortless meatballs deliver bold Asian-inspired flavor with minimal hands-on time, thanks to the convenience of your slow cooker.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

this Recipe

frozen or homemade meatballssoy saucehoisin saucesesame oilrice vinegarhoney or brown sugargarlicgingerred pepper flakes (optional for heat)green onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (optional)

directions

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.

Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them.

Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until heated through and glazed.

Stir occasionally during cooking for even coating.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as an appetizer or 4 as a main dish.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 2–6 hoursTotal time: 2–6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner version.

Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.

Stir in cooked noodles or rice to make it a full meal.

Include bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and color.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.Can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.

Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs?

No, they can go in frozen—just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—otherwise it’s sweet and savory.

What can I serve with these?

Rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps are all great options.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your crockpot isn’t more than 3/4 full.

Will the sauce thicken?

Yes, it thickens as it cooks and coats the meatballs well.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, maple syrup or agave can be used in place of honey.

Do I need to stir during cooking?

Stirring once or twice helps ensure even coating.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Are these good for potlucks?

Absolutely—easy to transport, stay warm in the crockpot, and always a hit.

Conclusion

Asian Crockpot Meatballs are a deliciously easy way to bring big flavor to your table with very little effort. Whether served as a party appetizer or part of a family dinner, they offer the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory in every bite—just set, forget, and enjoy.

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