These meatballs are seriously addictive. I know two things are guaranteed if I ever show up to your potluck with these: I will have no leftovers to take home, and several people will ask for the recipe. They are so simple to dump in the slow cooker and serve.
I use frozen homestyle meatballs for this recipe. I don’t think the frozen Italian meatballs fit this recipe as well as the homestyle meatballs. The seasoning in the Italian meatballs does not complement the flavors of the delicious sauce. Using the meatballs from the frozen section also results in a quicker cooking time since they are already precooked. This mama doesn’t have the time to make meatballs for a crowd for a different holiday party each week.
Lost in the Sauce
The sauce is the star of the show! You can use it on everything! I love using it as a marinade for grilled or baked chicken, stir fry, or a dipping sauce. You mix it all up and go. It couldn’t be simpler. I like using the dried spices in this because it means I can usually whip it up whenever the craving hits. You can absolutely use fresh ginger, but frankly, the dried works perfectly for this.
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just be sure to add a pinch or two of sugar. Rice vinegar is slightly sweet and really brightens up the sauce.
The main question I get when asked for the recipe is, “What is Hoisin sauce?” This is the base of the sauce. With Cantonese origins, this sauce is sure to hook you and your guests with its savory and sweet profile. It lacks the smoky characteristics typically found in traditional American BBQ sauces. I usually find this in the international section of my local grocery store. Trust me, this sauce makes all the difference!
Tools for Success
- Large slow cooker, or 1/2 the recipe for a smaller slow cooker
- Whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce
- Mixing bowl, or mix the sauce in the crock pot
- Toothpicks for serving
Crock-Pot Asian Meatballs
Course: Apps u0026amp; Snacks, Holidays, Slow Cooker FriendlyCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes2
hours2
hours10
minutesIngredients
48 oz. bag of frozen homestyle meatballs
2 c Hoisin sauce
2 t ground ginger
2 T garlic powder
2 T brown sugar, packed
4 T minced garlic
4 T reduced sodium soy sauce
2 t rice vinegar
1/2 c orange juice, no pulp
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- Place frozen meatballs into a large slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together Hoisin sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and orange juice.
- Pour sauce over meatballs and toss to coat.
- Cook on high 2-3 hours on high or 4 hours on low, stirring every hour. Cook until the recommended internal temperature on the package is reached.
- Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds (optional).
Notes
- Cook time is based on my slow cooker. Yours may cook faster or slower!
- You can usually find Hoisin sauce in the international section of your local grocery store.