Teriyaki Glazed Meatloaf Flavorful and Simple Recipe
Are you ready to take your meatloaf game to the next level? My Teriyaki Glazed Meatloaf is packed with flavor and super easy to make. This recipe blends sweet teriyaki sauce with classic comfort food, keeping dinner fun and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, everyone will love this twist on a classic. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: The teriyaki glaze adds a sweet and savory dimension to the classic meatloaf, making it a delightful twist on a family favorite.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Options: Substituting ground turkey for beef offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- Garnish Appeal: The sesame seeds and green onions not only enhance the presentation but also add a delightful crunch and freshness to each bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Teriyaki Glazed Meatloaf
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 1/2 cup grated carrot (about one medium carrot)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste (or freshly grated ginger)
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey. This cuts fat and still tastes great. If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs, plain ones will work. Just add a little salt and pepper. For a twist, use chopped bell peppers instead of carrots. You can also try coconut milk in place of regular milk for a creamy touch.
Suggested Garnishes
To make your meatloaf look special, use sesame seeds and chopped green onions. They add flavor and color. You can also drizzle more teriyaki sauce on top. If you want, serve it with steamed rice and fresh veggies. This makes a fun and complete meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Loaf Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for even cooking. Next, take a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps with easy removal later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Use your hands or a spatula to mix these dry ingredients. Make sure they are well blended. This mix forms the base of your meatloaf.
Preparing the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ginger paste, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix until smooth. This wet mixture adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf. It’s important to combine everything well for the best taste.
Combining Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the meat and veggies. Gently mix everything together. Use your hands or a spatula and be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make your meatloaf dense, and we want it light and fluffy.
Shaping and Glazing the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it with your hands to fit snugly in the pan. Once shaped, drizzle teriyaki sauce over the top. This glaze will caramelize while baking, adding a lovely flavor.
Baking and Resting
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). After baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, giving you a moist bite.
Enjoy your delicious teriyaki glazed meatloaf!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
To get the perfect texture in your teriyaki glazed meatloaf, avoid overmixing. When you mix the meat with wet ingredients, do it gently. This keeps the meatloaf light and tender. Use your hands or a spatula to combine the ingredients. If you feel it is too dense, add a bit more milk. This small change can make a big difference.
Best Practices for Glazing
For the best glaze, add teriyaki sauce in two steps. First, drizzle some sauce on top before baking. This helps it soak in and adds flavor. After baking, brush more sauce on top. This gives it a shiny, tasty finish. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it brings the dish to life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not letting the meatloaf rest. After baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Another mistake is cutting the meatloaf too soon. If you cut it right away, the juices run out, and it may dry out. Lastly, don’t skip the garnishes. Sesame seeds and green onions add flavor and a nice look.
Pro Tips
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and enhance the healthiness of your meatloaf.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure a tender texture in the final loaf.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful slice.
- Experiment with Glaze: Feel free to mix different sauces or add spices to the glaze for unique flavor variations each time you make it!

Variations
Alternative Proteins for Meatloaf
You can swap ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey offers a leaner choice. Ground chicken or pork also works well. Each protein gives a unique taste and texture. Adjust your seasoning to balance the flavor.
Different Glaze Options
While teriyaki sauce is tasty, you can try other glazes. A sweet BBQ sauce adds a smoky touch. For a spicy kick, use sriracha mixed with honey. You can also experiment with hoisin sauce for an Asian twist. Each glaze brings out different flavors in the meatloaf.
Vegetarian or Vegan Adaptations
To make a vegetarian meatloaf, use lentils or black beans. Mash them and mix with breadcrumbs and veggies. For a vegan version, skip the egg and milk. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder. This keeps the loaf together while staying plant-based.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for about three to four days. If you have more meatloaf than you can eat, freezing is a great option too.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it warms all the way through. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time. Just slice the meatloaf and heat for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often.
Freezing Tips and Best Practices
For freezing, let the meatloaf cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce. It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a sauce with good flavor and no added preservatives for the best result.
What can I serve with teriyaki glazed meatloaf?
I recommend serving teriyaki glazed meatloaf with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables. You can also add a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for extra crunch and color. These sides balance the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should reach 160°F (70°C). You can also cut into it. The meat should no longer be pink, and juices should run clear.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf ahead of time. Mix the ingredients, shape it, and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal that is still fresh and tasty.
This blog post covers how to make teriyaki glazed meatloaf from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and essential tips for great texture. We explored variations and how to store leftovers effectively.
In closing, making this dish is simple and rewarding. Enjoy trying your own twists to the recipe! You’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cookin

Teriyaki Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 0.5 cup grated carrot (about one medium carrot)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 0.25 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste (or freshly grated ginger)
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
- to taste sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Mix these dry ingredients together with your hands or a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ginger paste, black pepper, and sea salt. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated to create a smooth mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser meatloaf.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into a loaf that evenly fills the pan.
- Add the Glaze: Drizzle a generous amount of teriyaki sauce over the top of the meatloaf, allowing it to create a flavorful glaze while baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest: Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist and flavorful bite upon slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an added pop of flavor and color.

