Name: Grilled Teriyaki Meatball Skewers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-498194H36M41S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: • 1 and 1/2 pounds (680 grams) ground beef; • 1/3 cup chopped scallions; • 4 tablespoons sesame teriyaki sauce, plus more, warmed, for drizzling; • 3 tablespoons toasted Gefen Sesame Seeds, plus more for garnish; • 3 tablespoons Gefen Breadcrumbs; • 1 egg; • 1 tablespoon water; • 16 ounces (450 grams) baby bella mushrooms; • 1 large green pepper, cut into 32 squares; • 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks; • 1 cup sesame teriyaki sauce; • 2 teaspoons Gefen Sesame Oil

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Get ready for a flavor explosion with these incredible Grilled Teriyaki Meatball Skewers! Tender, juicy meatballs infused with savory teriyaki goodness, paired with vibrant, perfectly grilled vegetables, make for an unforgettable meal. They’re the perfect centerpiece for any backyard barbecue or a delightful weeknight treat.

Imagine these colorful skewers, glistening with a sweet and savory glaze, fresh off the grill or out of the oven, ready to be devoured.

Recipe Details

Flavor Profile: Savory, sweet, umami, with a hint of sesame.
Texture Profile: Juicy meatballs, tender-crisp vegetables, slightly charred exteriors.
Total Active Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Marinating/Chill Time: 40 minutes.
Difficulty Level: Easy, with straightforward steps for creating delicious skewers.

What You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a flavorful ground beef mixture, a classic teriyaki marinade that doubles as a glaze, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all threaded onto skewers for easy grilling or baking. The star ingredients are the ground beef for the meatballs, a luscious sesame teriyaki sauce for coating and glazing, and fresh vegetables that caramelize beautifully.

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef – Using 1 and 1/2 pounds (680 grams) of ground beef provides a hearty base for the meatballs. You can opt for a leaner blend if you prefer, but a little fat helps keep them wonderfully juicy.
Sesame Teriyaki Sauce – This is your flavor powerhouse! It’s used both in the meatball mixture and as the marinade for both the meatballs and vegetables, imparting that signature sweet and savory depth. Using 4 tablespoons in the mix and 1 cup for the marinade ensures a rich teriyaki experience.
Gefen Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and aroma to both the meatballs and as a finishing garnish.
Baby Bella Mushrooms – These hearty mushrooms (16 ounces/450 grams) add an earthy flavor and a wonderful meaty texture, soaking up the teriyaki marinade beautifully.
Vegetables – A large green pepper, cut into 32 squares, and a medium red onion, cut into chunks, add vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and a lovely crisp-tender bite after grilling or baking.

Add-ins and Substitutions

Vegetable Variations – Feel free to swap out the green pepper and red onion for other sturdy vegetables like chunks of zucchini, bell peppers of different colors, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple pieces for an extra sweet kick. Just ensure they are cut into pieces roughly the size of the meatballs for even cooking.
Herbaceous Touch – While scallions are called for, a little fresh minced ginger or garlic added to the meatball mixture can offer an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
Spice It Up – For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the teriyaki marinade or sprinkled over the finished skewers.

Grilled Teriyaki Meatball Skewers Recipe

How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Meatball Skewers

Creating these delightful skewers is a joy, with a simple process that yields fantastic results.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your ground beef with 1/3 cup chopped scallions, 4 tablespoons of sesame teriyaki sauce, 3 tablespoons of toasted Gefen sesame seeds, 3 tablespoons of Gefen breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
Create the Marinade: While the meatball mixture is chilling, whisk together 1 cup of sesame teriyaki sauce and 2 teaspoons of Gefen sesame oil in a separate bowl. This will be your delicious marinade.
Marinate the Vegetables: Clean and dry your 16 ounces (450 grams) of baby bella mushrooms, removing any tough stems. In another bowl, combine the prepared mushrooms, the 32 squares of green pepper, and the chunks of red onion. Pour about half of the prepared teriyaki marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Set them aside to soak up that wonderful flavor.
Shape and Marinate the Meatballs: Remove the chilled meat mixture from the refrigerator. Shape it into 48 small, uniform meatballs. Place these formed meatballs into a baking pan. Pour the remaining teriyaki marinade over them, turning them gently to coat all sides. Cover the pan again and return it to the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to chill and firm up, making them easy to skewer.
Prepare Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before you begin assembling. This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.

Pro Tip: Soaking your skewers is a non-negotiable step for grill-friendly skewers!
Get Your Grill Ready: Preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent any sticking.
Assemble the Skewers: Begin threading the chilled meatballs and the marinated vegetables onto your soaked skewers. Alternate the meatballs with pieces of mushroom, green pepper, and red onion, creating colorful and balanced skewers.
Grill to Perfection: Place the assembled skewers onto the preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them periodically to ensure even browning and cooking. You’re looking for the meatballs to be nicely browned and cooked through, with the vegetables becoming crisp-tender.
- For Baking: If you prefer to bake these beauties, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Thread the chilled meatballs and vegetables onto the soaked skewers and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time, until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are lightly caramelized and tender.
Finishing Touches: Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill or oven. Drizzle them generously with warmed teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with additional toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish.

Recipe Tips

Meatball Size Matters: Aim for consistent meatball sizes. This ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate as the vegetables on the skewer.
Don’t Overmix: When preparing the meatball mixture, mix only until everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher meatballs.
Marination is Key: Allowing both the vegetables and meatballs to marinate, even for a short time, infuses them with flavor and helps them cook beautifully.
Watch for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for complete safety and juiciness.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before marinating and skewering.
What if I don’t have a grill? The baking instructions provided are an excellent alternative for achieving delicious results without a grill.
Can I use different types of ground meat? Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for ground beef, though they may cook slightly faster and could benefit from a touch more fat or a bit longer marination time to stay moist.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Teriyaki Meatball Skewers are wonderfully versatile. They pair beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, whether it’s jasmine or brown rice, to soak up any extra teriyaki sauce. For a lighter meal, serve them alongside a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, a simple cucumber salad, or some stir-fried green beans. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties, served with small dipping bowls of extra teriyaki sauce.

Make This Recipe in Advance

You can prepare the meatball mixture and the teriyaki marinade a day in advance. Keep them covered separately in the refrigerator. You can also chop your vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Marinating the vegetables and meatballs separately as directed in the recipe is best done within a few hours of cooking for optimal flavor and texture. The cooked skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh off the heat. Simply reheat them gently.

Grilled Teriyaki Meatball Skewers