Name: General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey or chicken; 1-inch knob fresh ginger, grated; 3 fresh garlic cloves, grated or minced; 4 green onions, very finely chopped; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup coconut aminos, Bragg’s liquid aminos, tamari, or low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup beef bone broth; 2 Tbsp raw honey; 1 Tbsp gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder; 2 tsp chili flakes, or to taste; 4 green onions, finely sliced; Sesame seeds; Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or riced cauliflower

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If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with bold flavors, tender bites, and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, then this General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine juicy, homemade meatballs packed with fresh ginger and garlic, enveloped in a luscious, sticky sauce that carries a gentle heat and a hint of honeyed sweetness. This recipe transforms the classic takeout favorite into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing five separate layers of ingredients neatly grouped within. One layer has pale pink raw ground meat with a soft, moist texture. Above it, a bright yellow raw egg yolk with a shiny, smooth surface rests close to the meat. Next to this, a large pile of fine, light beige breadcrumbs takes up almost half the bowl. Beside the breadcrumbs, there are chopped green onions in different shades of green and white, with a fresh and slightly crunchy look. On top of the green onions, there is a small pile of finely grated yellow ginger with a slightly fibrous texture. The layers are all unmixed and clearly defined. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet crucial, each playing its role in elevating the taste, texture, and color of the dish. From the fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic to the wholesome almond flour binding the meatballs, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect bite.

1 lb ground turkey or chicken: Provides a lean, tender base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
1-inch knob fresh ginger, grated: Adds a fragrant zing that wakes up your taste buds.
3 fresh garlic cloves, grated or minced: Brings a savory punch essential to the dish’s depth.
4 green onions, very finely chopped: Offers a mild oniony freshness and color throughout the meatballs.
1/4 cup almond flour: A gluten-free binder that keeps meatballs moist and tender.
1 large egg: Helps hold the meatballs together perfectly.
1 1/2 Tbsps avocado oil or olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a beautiful golden crust.
2 tsps toasted sesame oil: Infuses the sauce with a warm, nutty aroma.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that balances the sauce’s sweetness.
1/4 cup coconut aminos, Bragg’s liquid aminos, tamari, or low-sodium soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich base for the sauce.
1/2 cup beef bone broth: Provides depth and richness to the sauce.
2 Tbsps raw honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally with a gentle floral note.
1 Tbsp GF flour or Arrowroot powder: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
2 tsp chili flakes, or to taste: Gives the sauce a controlled, satisfying kick.
4 green onions, finely sliced: For garnishing with fresh crunch and color.
Sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch to finish.
Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or riced cauliflower: Perfect bases to soak up the sauce and complete your meal.

How to Make General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground turkey or chicken with grated ginger, garlic, and green onions in a medium bowl. Adding almond flour and a large egg helps bind everything together, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape without drying out. Don’t be shy—mix everything really well with your hands or a spoon so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Now for the fun part: use your palms or a cookie scoop to form about 16 small, evenly sized meatballs. Heat avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently cook the meatballs, turning slowly so they get nicely browned on all sides. This caramelization step adds incredible flavor and texture.

Step 3: Prepare the General Tso’s Sauce

While the meatballs are browning, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos (or your preferred soy sauce alternative), beef bone broth, honey, gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder, and chili flakes in a medium bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens—sweet, tangy, and with a little heat, it will beautifully coat those meatballs.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Once your meatballs are golden, pour the sauce into the skillet. Lower the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens and clings to each meatball, and the meatballs finish cooking through, juicy and tender in the sticky glaze.

How to Serve General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe

A black skillet filled with two layers: the bottom layer is a thick, smooth orange sauce with a shiny, slightly oily surface and bits of green onion scattered throughout; the top layer consists of about fifteen round meatballs that are light brown with dark grilled spots and small pieces of herbs visible, each sprinkled lightly with white sesame seeds; the skillet sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your dish with a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add freshness, a subtle crunch, and a beautiful contrast to the dark, glossy sauce—trust me, they make every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is with sides. Serve over fluffy cooked brown rice or protein-packed quinoa for a hearty meal, or go lighter with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Each choice soaks up the sauce wonderfully and rounds out the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try skewering the meatballs on decorative picks for an easy appetizer or party snack. You can also tuck them inside steamed lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce for a fun, handheld twist. No matter how you serve it, this General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, so reheated meatballs taste just as amazing as freshly made.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together. Lay the meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months for easy future meals.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

FAQs

Can I use beef or pork instead of turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground beef or pork works well too and adds a richer flavor, though the meatballs might be a bit fattier. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is there a vegetarian version of General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe?

You can try making meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or chickpea mixtures, but the texture and taste will differ slightly. Just be sure to adjust seasoning and binding ingredients accordingly.

How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce has a gentle heat from the chili flakes, which you can easily adjust to your preference. Start with less and add more if you like things fiery!

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour to bind the meatballs, but almond flour adds moisture and a subtle nuttiness that’s hard to beat.

Can I make this recipe ahead and reheat it for a party?

Yes! The meatballs can be fully cooked and kept warm in the sauce on low heat, or prepared in advance and reheated gently. They hold up wonderfully for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This General Tso’s Meatballs Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and a little adventurous. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s easy to make and a joy to eat. Give it a try soon and watch it become one of your new favorite dishes!