CookSnap is coming soon — Join the waitlist →

Kobe Style Glazed Meatballs

Tender beef meatballs coated in a glossy sweet-savory glaze and lightly topped with melted cheese. The meatballs are juicy on the inside with a caramelized exterior, creating a rich bite that balances savory beef, garlic, and a slightly sweet sauce. These are often served as small plates or appetizers and pair well with simple greens or rice.

Total time
30 min
Servings
3
Calories
380
Protein
24g
Kobe Style Glazed Meatballs
Japanese-Americanbeefmeatballssavoryjapanese-americanhigh-proteinappetizercomfort-food

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch for thickening sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional topping)
  • 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and minced garlic.

  3. 3

    Add one tablespoon of soy sauce to the mixture and gently mix everything together using your hands until evenly combined.

  4. 4

    Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches wide and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Bake the meatballs for about 15–18 minutes until they are fully cooked and lightly browned.

  6. 6

    While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan combine the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water.

  7. 7

    Heat the sauce over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

  8. 8

    Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce. Stir continuously until the glaze thickens slightly.

  9. 9

    Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and place them in a skillet or bowl.

  10. 10

    Pour the warm glaze over the meatballs and toss them gently until evenly coated.

  11. 11

    Sprinkle shredded cheese on top while the meatballs are still hot so it melts slightly.

  12. 12

    Finish by topping with sliced green onions and serve warm.

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.