Sticky Hoisin Sausage Meatballs

Sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor, these Sticky Hoisin Glazed Sausage Meatballs are the kind of recipe that works just as well as a crowd pleasing appetizer as it does served over rice for an easy dinner. Created in partnership with J Squared Eatz, this dish is made with Bianco & Sons Sweet Italian Sausage and comes together quickly with simple ingredients, then gets tossed in a glossy hoisin glaze layered with ginger, garlic, and just enough heat. They deliver that crave worthy balance of savory and sweet that makes sausage recipes so irresistible, while staying easy enough for weeknights, entertaining, or game day spreads.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes | Cook Time: 10-15 minutes | Total Time: 20-30 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs 

• 1 LB Bianco & Sons Sweet Italian Sausage Links (or uncased), or 1LB of Bianco & Sons Sweet Italian Sausage Meat
• 1 TSP grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, grated 
• 1 egg
• 1 TSP toasted sesame oil 
• ½ Cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 TBSP soy sauce
• ½ Tsp salt
• ¼ Tsp black Pepper
• 2 TBSP EVOO 

Sticky Hoisin Glaze

• ½ Cup hoisin sauce
• 2 TBSP rice vinegar
• 1 TBSP soy sauce
• 2 TSP chili garlic sauce (or sambal)
• 1 TSP toasted sesame oil
• 1 TBSP mirin
• 1 TBSP brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 Tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 star anise pod

Extra/Garnish 

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 TBSP white sesame seeds

METHOD

1. Make Meatballs
   1. Whisk egg in a deep-sided mixing bowl
   2. Add remaining ingredients and gently mix until incorporated (do not overmix or your meatballs will be tough)
   3. Scoop and form meatballs, using a 1 TBSP scoop
   4. Heat 2 TBSP EVOO in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning to brown evenly on all sides, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F
2. Make Sticky Hoisin Glaze
   1. Add all ingredients to a sauce pan, whisk ingredients together and bring to a simmer
   2. Simmer for 5-10 minutes allowing sauce to thicken slightly
      
3. Finish and Plate
   1. Toss cooked meatballs in sticky hoisin sauce, in a deep-sided bowl
   2. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions over the top of meatballs

SERVE

• Add to a bowl or platter and serve with toothpicks for an easy appetizer, or spoon over white rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.