Sheet Pan Soy Ginger Meatballs and Veggies: Easy Weeknight Flavor Explosion
A sticky glaze elevates tender pork bites and roasted produce for a fuss-free feast.

Sheet Pan Soy Ginger Meatballs and Veggies
Searching for a hassle-free dinner recipe packed with savory flavor and wholesome ingredients? Look no further than this sheet pan soy ginger meatballs and veggies dish. Combining juicy pork meatballs, a sticky soy-ginger glaze, and vibrant roasted vegetables, this recipe gives you a balanced, nutritious meal—all cooked effortlessly on sheet pans. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or family gatherings, this recipe walks the line between comfort food and global-inspired cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple one-pan cooking makes cleanup a breeze.
- Features a sweet and sticky soy-ginger glaze for irresistible flavor.
- Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrients and crunch.
- Scalable for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
- Customizable and versatile—swap proteins or veggies as desired.
Ingredients
This recipe blends easily accessible pantry staples with fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Soy sauce | 1 cup | Use low-sodium if preferred |
Light brown sugar | 1/2 cup | Packed |
Rice vinegar | 2 Tbsp | For tang |
Fresh ginger | 1 Tbsp, minced | Finely diced |
Cornstarch | 1 Tbsp | Thickener |
Sriracha | 1 Tbsp | Optional spice |
Scallions | 4, thinly sliced | Plus more for topping |
Large egg | 1 | Binding for meatballs |
Kosher salt | 1 1/2 tsp | Divided use |
Ground pork | 1 1/2 lb | Can sub turkey or chicken |
Panko breadcrumbs | 1/3 cup | Crunch and structure |
Bell peppers (mixed colors) | 3, cut into 2-inch pieces | Red, yellow, orange recommended |
Sugar snap peas | 2 (8-ounce) bags | Total 16 oz |
Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | For roasting veggies |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | For seasoning veggies |
Cooked white rice | For serving | Jasmine or long-grain recommended |
Toasted sesame seeds | For topping | Optional garnish |
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Soy-Ginger Sauce
- Preheat oven to 400˚F (204˚C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, cornstarch, sriracha, and 1/2 cup water.
- Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking frequently until sauce thickens—about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce for serving; the rest will be used for the meatball mixture and glazing.
Step 2: Make and Shape the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine scallions, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup of the prepared soy-ginger sauce.
- Add ground pork and panko breadcrumbs. Mix gently with hands or a spatula until just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape mixture into 24 meatballs (about 1 inch diameter). Place them evenly spaced on one prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Prep and Season the Veggies
- On the second baking sheet, arrange bell peppers and sugar snap peas.
- Toss veggies with olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake Everything to Perfection
- Place both sheets in the oven; roast for 20–25 minutes.
- Halfway through, switch pan positions and toss veggies for even cooking.
- Meatballs should be cooked through (internal temp of 160˚F) and veggies lightly golden when done.
- Remove vegetables and switch oven setting to broil.
- Brush meatballs generously with remaining soy-ginger sauce (from the pan) and broil 2–3 minutes until the glaze sets and develops a glossy finish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Spoon rice onto plates or shallow bowls.
- Top with glazed meatballs and roasted vegetables.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
- Serve the reserved sauce on the side for drizzling.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Meatballs
- Don’t Over-Mix: Mix meatball ingredients gently to keep them juicy.
- Uniform Size: Make meatballs the same size for even cooking. Use a small scoop if desired.
- Customize Protein: Swap ground pork for ground chicken, turkey, or a beef-pork blend to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Vegetable Swaps: Try broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms—anything that roasts well in about 20 minutes.
- Make Ahead: Shape meatballs in advance and refrigerate (up to 1 day) or freeze for future use. Thaw before baking.
- Glaze Twice: The double-glaze technique (once before broil, once after) builds layers of flavor and shine.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
- Protein-rich from pork and egg, balanced with fiber-packed vegetables.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or greens instead of white rice.
- Add extra veggies to turn the recipe into a hearty stir-fry.
- For meal prep: pack in containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.
Suggested Pairings
- Beverages: Serve with green tea, a crisp lager, or sparkling water with lime.
- Sides: Try with a cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or quick pickled radishes.
- Sauces: Drizzle extra soy-ginger sauce or serve alongside chili crisp for extra heat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and swap egg for a flaxseed “egg”.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free panko.
- Spicy Kick: Increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven; add a splash of water to keep moist.
- Freeze shaped, uncooked meatballs on a tray; transfer to freezer bags and keep up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
A: Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey work well and provide a leaner alternative. Adjust the cooking time if needed for smaller meatballs.
Q: Is the soy-ginger sauce gluten-free?
A: Traditional soy sauce contains wheat; substitute tamari for a gluten-free version. Ensure panko is gluten-free too.
Q: Can I prep the meatballs or sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Meatballs can be prepped and refrigerated (up to 24 hours) or frozen raw. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored airtight.
Q: What can I do with leftover soy-ginger sauce?
A: Use it for drizzling over rice bowls, as a stir-fry base, or dipping sauce for dumplings.
Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Yes. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and mushrooms all work well. Adjust roasting time if using softer veggies.
Pro Tips for Sheet Pan Success
- Cut veggies into uniform pieces for even roasting.
- Don’t crowd the pan—use two pans if needed for crispier veggies and meatballs.
- Leave room between meatballs; air circulation helps them brown and prevents sogginess.
- To broil safely, watch meatballs closely—every oven is different and glaze can burn quickly.
More Sheet Pan Dinner Recipes to Try
- Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli – Another Asian-inspired crowd pleaser.
- Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli – For a twist, try beef-based meatballs in a sweet-savory glaze, served alongside sesame broccoli.
- Turkey Meatballs with Soy-Ginger Sauce – Leaner meatballs paired with bold flavor, great for meal prep lunches.
Final Thoughts
With a flavorful glaze, juicy meatballs, and vibrant veggies, this sheet pan soy ginger meatballs and veggies meal is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and nutrition in every bite—what’s not to love? Customize, experiment, and enjoy the ease and deliciousness of one-pan dinners in your own kitchen.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63497504/sheet-pan-soy-ginger-meatballs-and-veggies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60413625/turkey-meatballs-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36007539/ginger-meatballs-with-sesame-broccoli-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43967559/teriyaki-meatball-broccoli-kebabs-recipe/
Read full bio of medha deb