There’s something downright magical about creating food that makes your kitchen smell like a bustling Chinese street market. That’s exactly what happened when I tried this Asian Meatballs Chinese Pork Meatballs Char Siew Style Recipe.
With their sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, they were an instant hit at my dinner table! I couldn’t get over how simple they were to make yet how incredible they looked and tasted. Plus, they’re so versatile—I served them over rice one evening, and the next, I tossed them into a steaming noodle soup.
Whether you’re aiming to impress a crowd or treat yourself to an indulgent homemade meal, these meatballs are a surefire way to bring excitement to your plate.
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try?
You’re going to love everything about these meatballs. Not convinced yet? Let’s explore what makes them a winner! 😍
Simple, Hassle-Free Preparation
These meatballs are surprisingly straightforward to make. With a handful of kitchen staples and just a few steps, you’ve got a dish bursting with flavor. Trust me, this recipe will become one of your go-tos when you need something speedy and satisfying.
A Burst of Sweet-Savory Goodness
Char Siew flavor is all about that perfect marriage of sweetness and umami. From the tangy hoisin sauce to the aromatic sesame oil, these meatballs capture that iconic BBQ profile in every bite.
Flexible and Versatile
Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, tossing them into fried rice, or transforming them into a topping for ramen, these meatballs adapt to any meal. You can even make them into sliders with a touch of pickled veggies!
Great for Dietary Tweaks
Need a gluten-free or lower-carb option? Swap out bread crumbs for almond flour! Adapting this recipe to suit your dietary needs is a breeze, so everyone can savor the goodness.
Kid-Approved!
Even picky eaters will devour these meatballs thanks to their irresistible caramelized crust and flavorful kick. They’re perfect for family dinners or meal-prep to save the day during busy weeks.
Cooking Time at a Glance
You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together. Here’s what to expect:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen?
The Ingredients
- Ground pork
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Bread crumbs
- Scallions
Tools for the Task
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining all the ingredients.
- Baking tray – Essential if you choose the baking method.
- Skillet or frying pan – A must for pan-frying those meatballs to golden perfection.
- Whisk – To blend your Char Siew sauce seamlessly.
- Measuring spoons – For spot-on flavor every time.
Crafting the Perfect Meatballs 🍴
Here’s your go-to guide for crafting irresistibly flavorful meatballs, from mixing the perfect blend to achieving a beautifully caramelized finish.
Step 1: Mix Up the Magic
Start by combining your ground pork with finely minced garlic and ginger in a mixing bowl. Add a touch of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin for that authentic depth of flavor. Sprinkle in bread crumbs and a bit of cornstarch to hold everything together. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients, ensuring all the flavors are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once your mixture is uniform, roll it into small, even balls. They don’t have to be perfect, but consistency ensures even cooking. Aim for golf-ball-sized portions for that satisfying bite. 👌
Step 3: Bring the Sauce to Life
Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. This glossy Char Siew sauce will coat the meatballs and elevate their flavor.
Step 4: Marinate Like a Pro
Place your meatballs in a shallow dish and pour your sauce over the top. Stir them gently to coat each one. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the pork to soak up all that sweet-savory goodness.
Step 5: Cook Until Perfectly Golden
Choose your cooking method:
- Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs until they develop a crispy caramelized crust.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined tray and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. 🔥
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the meatballs into a serving dish and drizzle any leftover sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions for a pop of color!
A Few Extra Tricks for the Best Results
- Use cold ingredients to help the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
- Adjust the sugar level in the sauce if you prefer a less sweet kick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as it can lower the heat and lead to soggy meatballs.
How to Plate and Present These Beauties?
These meatballs shine on their own, but you can elevate your presentation by pairing them with fragrant jasmine rice or placing them over noodles. Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions for a professional touch. You could even serve them skewered with bell peppers for an appetizer platter.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’re enjoying in one serving of these meatballs (based on general estimates):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 12g
Storing and Prepping Like a Pro
These meatballs are a dream for meal-prep enthusiasts. Once cooked, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Need to store them longer? Freeze your cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them into freezer bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the oven for perfect results.
With all these tips and tweaks at your disposal, you’re ready to make these mouthwatering Asian Pork Meatballs your new favorite recipe. Get your apron on and give it a try—I guarantee they’re just as much fun to make as they are to eat! 🥢

Asian Meatballs Chinese Pork Meatballs Char Siew Style Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground pork
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Bread crumbs
- Scallions
Instructions
- Start by combining your ground pork with finely minced garlic and ginger in a mixing bowl. Add a touch of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin for that authentic depth of flavor. Sprinkle in bread crumbs and a bit of cornstarch to hold everything together. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients, ensuring all the flavors are evenly incorporated.
- Once your mixture is uniform, roll it into small, even balls. They don’t have to be perfect, but consistency ensures even cooking. Aim for golf-ball-sized portions for that satisfying bite. 👌
- Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. This glossy Char Siew sauce will coat the meatballs and elevate their flavor.
- Place your meatballs in a shallow dish and pour your sauce over the top. Stir them gently to coat each one. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the pork to soak up all that sweet-savory goodness.
- Choose your cooking method: Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs until they develop a crispy caramelized crust or Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined tray and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. 🔥
- Transfer the meatballs into a serving dish and drizzle any leftover sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions for a pop of color!
Notes
- Use cold ingredients to help the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
- Adjust the sugar level in the sauce if you prefer a less sweet kick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as it can lower the heat and lead to soggy meatballs.