- RECIPES
Instant Pot Teriyaki Meatballs

These teriyaki meatballs are known in our home as “mommy’s meatballs”. The kids ask for them at least once a week, and ALWAYS ask for seconds (if not more). I love them because I have all the ingredients readily at home (including the 1.5lbs multi-packs of ground turkey from Costco).
Instant Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
The sweet and savory flavor of this homemade teriyaki sauce is a favorite of both kids and adults alike. Pair it with a side of stir-fried veggies, udon noodles, rice, or soba noodles with peanut sauce for some extra flavor, or serve them as an appetizer on their own.
- Prep Time 10 Minutes
- Cook Time 30 Minutes
- Total Time 40 Minutes
- Serves 4-5 People
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1-1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1+ Tbsp arrowroot
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, ginger, soy sauce, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
- Turn the Instant Pot on Saute, let the oil heat up (it happens quickly) and add gently place the meatballs in pot. You should be able to fit about 9-10 meatballs at a time. Brown them for 2 minutes and gently flip them over to brown the other side. Repeat until all meatballs are done (it's ok to have a few pink spots, but you do want them to be mostly cooked)
- Carefully pull the meatballs out (keeping their shape) onto a plate. Be mindful that they aren't fully cooked yet.
- Keep the Instant Pot on Saute, and pour in half the water. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot.
- In a bowl, mix the rest of the water, soy sauce, sugar, honey, garlic powder, and ginger. Pour into the pot and mix. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add the meatballs, and close the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing and set the pressure cooking time to 5 minutes. When the cooking is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Carefully open the lid, and remove the meatballs. Turn the Instant Pot back on Saute and mix in the arrowroot. Continue whisking while it cooks for about 5 minutes, until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
Notes

These meatballs are great on their own as an appetizer or served as a meal over a bed of rice, stir-fried veggies, udon noodles, or (in our case) – rainbow peanut noodles. My favorite rainbow peanut noodle recipe is from GIMME SOME OVEN.
Finally, if you’re in a rush and happen to have a batch of store-bought /ready-made meatballs (I love both Aidells Teriyaki & Pineapple Chicken Meatballs from Costco and the Trader Joe’s store-brand), you can mix up the sauce and throw the readymade meatballs (even frozen) into the instant pot. Just follow the exact same pressure-cooking directions and have a super quick no-fuss dinner!