Teriyaki Meatballs: A Paleo AIP Whole30 Recipe for Healthy Eating



Teriyaki Meatballs Paleo AIP Whole30 is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of traditional teriyaki with a modern twist, making it a favorite among health-conscious food enthusiasts. This recipe not only caters to those following the Paleo, AIP, or Whole30 diets but also offers a delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without sacrificing taste. The origins of teriyaki can be traced back to Japan, where the method of grilling or broiling meat with a sweet soy sauce glaze became a culinary staple.

People love Teriyaki Meatballs Paleo AIP Whole30 for their tender texture and savory-sweet flavor profile, which is both satisfying and comforting. These meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. With the combination of nutrient-dense ingredients and the absence of refined sugars or grains, this dish allows you to indulge guilt-free while still adhering to your dietary preferences. Dive into this recipe and discover why Teriyaki Meatballs Paleo AIP Whole30 is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and healthy meal option!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (omit for AIP)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking)

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey) with coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.

Forming the Meatballs

  1. After chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
  4. If desired, you can lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with sesame oil for added flavor (omit for AIP).

Cooking the Meatballs

  1. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
  2. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), and any additional ginger or garlic you desire for extra flavor.
  3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens further.

Assembling the Dish

  1. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or serving dish, combine the baked meatballs with the teriyaki sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  3. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
  4. Serve the teriyaki meatballs warm, either on their own or over a bed of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

  1. Leftover teriyaki meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce to prevent them from drying out. Heat until warmed through.
  3. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve

Teriyaki Meatballs Paleo AIP Whole30

Conclusion:

In summary, these Teriyaki Meatballs are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that aligns with Paleo, AIP, and Whole30 diets. The combination of tender meatballs infused with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce creates a flavor explosion that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your dietary goals in check. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also make for a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. For a delightful serving suggestion, consider pairing these meatballs with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to create a complete meal that is both nutritious and filling. You can also serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, or even toss them into a salad for a protein-packed lunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking, or substitute the protein with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. We encourage you to give this Teriyaki Meatballs recipe a try and share your experience with us! Whether you’re enjoying them for dinner or as a snack, we’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Don’t forget to share your photos and variations on social media, and inspire others to embrace healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. Dive into this delicious recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy a wholesome meal that fits your lifestyle!

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Teriyaki Meatballs: A Paleo AIP Whole30 Recipe for Healthy Eating


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x

Description

These Teriyaki Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic dish, made with ground beef or turkey and a homemade teriyaki sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, they are easy to make and satisfying to enjoy!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (omit for AIP)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey) with coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.
  4. After chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
  7. If desired, you can lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with sesame oil for added flavor (omit for AIP).
  8. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
  9. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), and any additional ginger or garlic you desire for extra flavor.
  10. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens further.
  11. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  12. In a large mixing bowl or serving dish, combine the baked meatballs with the teriyaki sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  13. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
  14. Serve the teriyaki meatballs warm, either on their own or over a bed of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Leftover teriyaki meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce to prevent them from drying out. Heat until warmed through.
  • You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

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