Best Ever Asian Meatballs | Slimming World Friendly Recipe
If you’re bored of the same old dinners and fancy something full of flavour but still Slimming World-friendly, you’re going to love this one. These Best Ever Asian Meatballs are everything you want from a fakeaway – rich, savoury, sticky, and just a little bit sweet. They’re easy to make, low in syns, and so good you’ll forget you’re even on plan.
This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something special. Juicy meatballs seasoned with ginger, garlic and a touch of spice, all coated in a thick glossy sauce that’s packed with flavour — no packet mixes, no weird ingredients, and definitely no guilt.
It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a treat but fits perfectly into your slimming goals. Serve with rice, noodles, or a big bowl of stir-fried veg and you’ve got a fakeaway that’s better than the real thing. Ideal for batch cooking too, so you can stash some away in the freezer for a night when cooking feels like a chore.
10 Reasons You’ll Love These Best Ever Asian Meatballs
-
Packed With Flavour – Savoury, sticky, sweet and spiced — every bite is bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavour.
-
Slimming World Friendly – Just 1 syn per serving, making it easy to enjoy without going off plan.
-
Easy To Make – No faff, no fancy ingredients — just simple steps and store cupboard staples.
-
Freezer Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick, fuss-free dinners later.
-
Customisable – Use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey mince depending on what you have in.
-
Perfect Fakeaway – Craving a Chinese takeaway? This hits the spot without the calories or cost.
-
Family Friendly – Even the fussiest eaters will love these juicy, saucy meatballs.
-
Great With Any Side – Serve with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veg — whatever suits your mood.
-
Ideal for Meal Prep – Cooks well in advance and stores beautifully for lunches or busy weeknights.
-
Tastes Indulgent – Feels like a treat, but still keeps you on track with your weight loss goals.
Batch Cooking & Storage Guide
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just love having a stash of home-cooked favourites in the freezer, these Asian meatballs are ideal for batch cooking.
Batch Cooking Tips
-
Double (or even triple!) the recipe – the sauce and meatballs both scale up beautifully.
-
Cook the meatballs and sauce as normal, then allow to cool completely before portioning.
-
Store in individual meal prep containers with rice or noodles for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Fridge Storage
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot throughout.
-
Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Freezer Storage
-
Freeze meatballs (with or without sauce) in sealed freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags.
-
Best used within 3 months for optimal flavour and texture.
-
Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the hob or in the microwave.
Reheating Tips
-
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meatballs.
-
If frozen without sauce, you can whip up a fresh batch of the sticky sauce in just a few minutes.
Can This Recipe Be Adapted?
Yes — and that’s one of the best things about it! These Asian meatballs are super flexible, so you can easily switch things up based on your preferences or what’s already in your kitchen.
Change the Meat
-
Beef or pork mince both work brilliantly, but you can also use lean chicken or turkey mince to keep things extra light.
-
Prefer plant-based? Use a meat-free mince alternative (just be aware of syn values if following Slimming World).
Adjust the Heat
-
Keep it mild for little ones or spice it up with extra chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha.
-
Add fresh red chilli for a bigger kick.
Swap the Sweetness
-
No honey? Try maple syrup, agave, or even a little sweetener (adjust to taste — and remember to recalculate syns).
Mix Up the Flavour
-
Add finely chopped red pepper or grated carrot into the meatball mix for extra texture and nutrition.
-
Stir in a dash of hoisin, teriyaki, or low-sugar BBQ sauce for a slightly different twist (just adjust syns as needed).
Switch the Sides
-
Serve with noodles, rice, cauliflower rice, or even a crispy stir-fry mix.
-
Make lettuce wraps for a fun low-carb alternative!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my emails.
Don’t miss a single recipe!!
Best Ever Asian Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500g 5% Fat Beef Mince
- 2 Garlic Cloves [Minced]
- 1 tsp Grated Fresh Ginger
- 1 Spring Onion [Finely Sliced]
- ½ tsp Chinese Five Spice
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Wholemeal Breadcrumbs
- Low Calorie Cooking Spray
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Tomato puree
- 1 tsp Garlic Granules
- 1 tsp Grated Ginger
- ½ tsp Chilli Flakes
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Cornflour Mixed with 1 tbsp Cold Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds [Optional 1 Syn]
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix the mince, garlic, ginger, spring onion, soy sauce, five spice, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Use your hands to combine and shape into 20 small meatballs.
- Spray a frying pan or skillet with low-calorie cooking spray and brown the meatballs on medium heat for around 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on all sides.
- Once cooked through, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- n a bowl or jug, combine all of the sauce ingredients except the cornflour mix.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cornflour slurry and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve the meatballs into a bowl or on a plate and pour over the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).
