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

4.5

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

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, ginger, soy sauce, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
  2. 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)
  3. Carefully pull the meatballs out (keeping their shape) onto a plate. Be mindful that they aren't fully cooked yet.
  4. Keep the Instant Pot on Saute, and pour in half the water. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

You can easily substitute the ground turkey with ground beef, or even a mix of the two. 1.5lbs of meat should make 20 golf ball-size meatballs. They also freeze well in their sauce (though we rarely have leftovers).I love THIS HANDY MEATBALL SCOOP MAKER FROM AMAZON. It shortens the time it takes to scoop up the meatballs and make sure they are consistent in size.Since I have no patience (and limited time), I love to keep minced ginger (and garlic) in the fridge. Spice World is my favorite brand (click here to shop it).The recipe calls for arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce.  Arrowroot is a healthier substitution for cornstarch. It is gluten-free, contains more fiber and calcium than cornstarch, and doesn't include the chemicals used to make cornstarch.Finally, if you find that you have about 1.5lbs of chicken thighs (boneless and skinless), and no ground meat, you can use that as well. Simply brown the chicken for 4-5min on each side, make the sauce, and cook (set pressure to 9min, release after 10min). 

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!

Like what you see? Share it with friends:

Leave a Comment

Have a question? Submit your comment or question below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#createyourhappy

Join the List:

Explore...

Organized Home Design

Beauty & Personal Style

Everyday Recipes & Meals

Family & Life Events

MY FAVORITE THINGS

Shop my Designs

Related Articles

RECIPE: INSTANT POT MAC N’ CHEESE
Read More
blog_post_oatmeal_muffins_4_corners_560x560
Instant Pot Oatmeal (& Leftover Oatmeal Muffins)
Read More

Hi there. I'm Shiri.

I’m a mom, just like you.
Since 2011 I’ve been working with busy families, designing living spaces that are both beautiful and practical, styling mom wardrobes, and producing all sorts of events. It finally took a pandemic for me to slow down, and finally publish this blog (that has been on my to-do list for about 10yrs!). I hope you enjoy my tips, tricks, recipes, and life hacks, and together we’ll #createyourhappy. 
See you soon!