Hey there. Let me tell you, this ginger chicken meatball sandos recipe is a game-changer. The meatballs are juicy, packed with bold flavors, and kissed with just the right amount of ginger. And when you tuck them inside soft buns with a creamy sauce? Oh, you’re in for a treat.
The best part? It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t take forever to make. I’ll walk you through everything step by step, so you’ll get perfect meatball sandos every time.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Parchment paper (if baking)
- Large pan (for sauce)
- Spatula or tongs
- Small bowl (for sauce mixing)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 meatball sandwiches
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $12-$15, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 450 kcal
- Cook method: Baking or pan-frying
- Season: All year round
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: High-Protein, Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free sauce)
How to Make Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For the Sandos:
- 4 sandwich buns
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ cup shredded carrots
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | Ground turkey or beef |
| Fresh ginger | ½ teaspoon ground ginger |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos |
| Sesame oil | Olive oil |
| Sriracha | Hot sauce of choice |
| Honey | Maple syrup |
| Rice vinegar | Apple cider vinegar |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers or oat flour |
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mix
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, and the egg. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it. - Shape the Meatballs
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a plate if pan-frying. - Cook the Meatballs
- Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Pan-Frying Method: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Adjust sriracha if you want it spicier. - Assemble the Sandos
- Toast the sandwich buns for extra flavor.
- Spread the spicy mayo on both sides of the bun.
- Layer on the shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
- Add 3-4 meatballs per sandwich.
- Serve and Enjoy
Press the sandwich together and take a big bite. You deserve it.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—it keeps them tender.
- Use an ice cream scoop to portion meatballs evenly.
- Toasting the buns makes a big difference in texture.
- Make extra sauce—it’s great as a dip.
- If pan-frying, cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
What to Serve with Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos
These sandos are already amazing on their own, but you can pair them with:
- Sweet potato fries – Crispy and slightly sweet, they balance the flavors.
- Coleslaw – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the juicy meatballs.
- Pickled onions – Adds a tangy kick.
- Chips – Quick and easy side option.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving these sandos on toasted brioche buns, but any soft bun will work. If you want to be extra fancy, wrap them in parchment paper for that “restaurant feel.”
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for:
- Lunch or dinner – A filling, satisfying meal.
- Picnics – They travel well if wrapped properly.
- Game nights – Fun, easy to eat, and always a hit.
- Parties – Make mini versions for sliders.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re eating them the same day, keep the cooked meatballs at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep the sauce separate to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Freezing
- Meatballs: Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. They last up to 3 months.
- Sauce & Veggies: Do not freeze—make them fresh when needed.
- To reheat: Warm meatballs in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day ahead. Keep them in the fridge until ready to cook.
What kind of buns should I use?
Soft buns like brioche or potato rolls work best. You can also use sandwich rolls or even mini slider buns for smaller portions.
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Ground beef has more fat, so reduce the sesame oil to balance it out.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. If making it for kids, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and sriracha in the sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Meta Description
This ginger chicken meatball sandos recipe is easy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick meal, picnics, or parties. Ready in just 35 minutes.