Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 mix recommended)
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 1 Large Egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Low-sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari)
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated
  • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (or Rice Vinegar)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp Cold Water
  • 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
  • 2-3 Spring Onions (Scallions), sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Over-mixing will result in tough meatballs.
  2. Roll the mixture into balls, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert and place the raw meatballs directly into the base.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced fresh garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil until fully combined and the honey is dissolved.
  4. Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir or shake the insert to ensure all the meatballs are coated.
  5. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6–8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the thickening slurry: whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth.
  7. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently but thoroughly to disperse the cornstarch. Replace the lid and continue cooking for the final 30 minutes on HIGH.
  8. The sauce should visibly thicken into a beautiful, sticky glaze. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving platter. Garnish generously with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.