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.

By Medha deb
Created on

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.

IngredientAmountNotes
Soy sauce1 cupUse low-sodium if preferred
Light brown sugar1/2 cupPacked
Rice vinegar2 TbspFor tang
Fresh ginger1 Tbsp, mincedFinely diced
Cornstarch1 TbspThickener
Sriracha1 TbspOptional
spice
Scallions4, thinly slicedPlus more for topping
Large egg1Binding for meatballs
Kosher salt1 1/2 tspDivided use
Ground pork1 1/2 lbCan sub turkey or chicken
Panko breadcrumbs1/3 cupCrunch and structure
Bell peppers (mixed colors)3, cut into 2-inch piecesRed, yellow, orange recommended
Sugar snap peas2 (8-ounce) bagsTotal 16 oz
Olive oil1 TbspFor roasting veggies
Black pepper1/2 tspFor seasoning veggies
Cooked white riceFor servingJasmine or long-grain recommended
Toasted sesame seedsFor toppingOptional 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.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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