The rich, umami-packed flavor of these Sesame and Scallion Asian-Inspired Meatballs will elevate your dinner game instantly. Juicy, aromatic, and coated in a glossy glaze made from coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, honey, and a splash of vinegar, these meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet. They’re ideal for those who love fusion cuisine that’s both comforting and health-conscious.
Whether you serve them as a main dish with jasmine rice, nestle them into lettuce wraps, or plate them over spiralized veggies, these meatballs are flexible and fast. With a prep time under 20 minutes, they’re a smart pick for weeknight dinners and an easy win for meal prepping. Even better? They’re gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and packed with flavor from fresh scallions, ginger, and garlic. These meatballs prove that simple ingredients can result in bold, restaurant-worthy meals made right in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken)
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1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
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1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/4 cup almond flour
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1 large egg
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Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce: -
1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine ground pork, scallions, ginger, garlic, coconut aminos, sesame oil, almond flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Form into meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
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While meatballs bake, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Remove meatballs from the oven, toss in the sauce to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra scallions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why These Sesame and Scallion Asian-Inspired Meatballs Deserve a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
These Sesame and Scallion Asian-Inspired Meatballs are a flavorful fusion of clean ingredients, bold taste, and nourishing comfort food that feels indulgent but fits into a healthy lifestyle. Born from the idea of blending traditional Asian flavors with a Whole30- and Paleo-compliant mindset, this dish is a go-to favorite for food lovers who crave vibrant meals without the extra effort or processed additives. Whether you’re someone following a special diet or simply looking to shake up your regular dinner routine, these meatballs deliver on all fronts—taste, nutrition, ease, and versatility.
The Cultural Inspiration Behind the Flavors
The flavors in this recipe are heavily inspired by Asian cuisine—specifically the familiar and well-loved profiles of garlic, ginger, sesame, and soy. However, this version swaps out traditional soy sauce for coconut aminos, a soy-free alternative made from the fermented sap of coconut palms. Coconut aminos are slightly sweeter and less salty than soy sauce, making them perfect for creating a rich, umami base with a hint of natural sweetness. Combined with toasted sesame oil, fresh scallions, and just a touch of honey, the sauce mirrors the addictive, sticky glaze found in many Asian-inspired takeout dishes—but with far fewer ingredients and much better-for-you benefits.
Why These Meatballs Stand Out from the Crowd
There are thousands of meatball recipes out there, but this one truly sets itself apart thanks to its smart combination of clean ingredients, crave-worthy flavor, and adaptability. Instead of breadcrumbs, almond flour is used as a binder, keeping the recipe gluten-free, grain-free, and suitable for paleo diets. The fresh aromatics—grated ginger, minced garlic, and scallions—give the meatballs their distinct flavor punch without the need for artificial seasonings or sauces high in sodium.
Even better, the glaze adds a glossy, sticky layer of flavor that feels gourmet without being labor-intensive. It’s a harmonious balance of tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy (if you choose to add sriracha), which coats each bite in bold, mouthwatering flavor. It’s this combination that makes the dish both satisfying and incredibly memorable.
Health Benefits You’ll Love
One of the best things about these meatballs is that they’re packed with nutrients while remaining indulgent enough to satisfy cravings. Here’s what makes them a healthy choice:
- High Protein: Whether you use ground pork or chicken, these meatballs are a fantastic source of protein to support muscle repair, satiety, and energy levels.
- Low in Carbs: With almond flour as a binder, this dish stays low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for low-carb, keto-friendly, or Whole30 eating styles.
- Gut-Friendly Ingredients: The inclusion of ginger and garlic isn’t just for flavor—these ingredients have antimicrobial properties and can support digestive health.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and almond flour bring in unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health and hormone regulation.
- No Refined Sugar or Soy: Many Asian sauces rely heavily on sugar and soy-based products. This recipe swaps those out with honey and coconut aminos for a cleaner, gentler option on the body.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
These meatballs reheat beautifully, making them a dream come true for meal preppers and busy families. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out throughout the week. Serve with steamed rice, sautéed greens, noodles, cauliflower rice, or stuffed into lettuce cups for a quick lunch or light dinner.
They also freeze well—just cook and cool them fully before storing. Keep the glaze separate and heat it up fresh when you’re ready to serve for best results.
Flexible and Family-Friendly
One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is its versatility. Not only can you choose between ground pork, chicken, or even turkey, but you can adjust the spice level based on your family’s preference. If you’re feeding kids or spice-averse guests, simply leave out the sriracha. Want to add extra veggies? Finely chopped mushrooms or carrots blend right into the meat mixture for a sneaky nutrient boost.
It’s also naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, meaning it’s suitable for a wide range of dietary needs without requiring complicated substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
While these meatballs shine on their own, here are a few ways to make them a full meal:
- With Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice: A classic pairing that complements the saucy glaze.
- Lettuce Wraps: Layer meatballs into large butter lettuce leaves, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with sliced radishes or cucumbers.
- Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Rice: Keep it light and low-carb with veggie-based sides.
- Banh Mi-Inspired Bowl: Add pickled veggies, cilantro, and a sriracha mayo drizzle for a Vietnamese-style twist.
Why This Is a Foolproof Weeknight Recipe
From start to finish, these meatballs can be on the table in under 35 minutes—prep included. There’s no need for special techniques or tools, and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. The baking method keeps things simple and clean (no splattering oil!), while the stovetop glaze comes together in minutes.
For those who feel intimidated by cooking “healthy” food that still delivers on flavor, this is the perfect recipe to bridge the gap. It’s satisfying, hearty, and doesn’t feel like diet food—because it isn’t. It’s just real, whole ingredients turned into something craveable.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new staple that’s healthy, easy, and incredibly flavorful, these Sesame and Scallion Asian-Inspired Meatballs should be at the top of your list. With bold Asian-inspired seasoning, a wholesome ingredient list, and enough flexibility to serve a variety of tastes and diets, this dish proves that healthy food can be both approachable and delicious.
Make a batch for dinner tonight, meal prep it for the week, or bring it to your next gathering—these meatballs are a surefire crowd-pleaser with endless serving possibilities. Simple, sticky, and sensational, they’re a modern classic in the making.