If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a must-try! Tender, juicy, and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, they’re perfect for serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying dinner. Coated in a sweet and savory glaze, these turkey meatballs will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the perfect balance of quick, healthy, and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Directions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients: ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, soy sauce, sesame oil, beaten egg, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Glaze:
While the meatballs are baking, combine the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan: soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes. For a thicker glaze, dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it in, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are baked, toss them in the warm glaze until fully coated.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh and flavorful finishing touch.
Serving Tips:
Appetizer Style:
Use toothpicks or cocktail skewers for easy serving.
Pair with a dipping sauce, like extra glaze, sweet chili sauce, or sriracha mayo, to add variety.
Main Course:
Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
Add stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas) to complete the dish.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Party Presentation:
Arrange meatballs on a platter with garnishes like sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Include small bowls of dipping sauces to offer different flavor profiles.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or glaze to prevent drying out.
Freezing:
Uncooked Meatballs: Place shaped meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Cooked Meatballs: Let cool completely before freezing. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in a saucepan with glaze or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Glaze Storage:
Store extra glaze in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before using.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and shape them ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them uncooked (before baking) for up to 3 months and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this recipe and will give you a similar flavor and texture. You can also use lean ground beef if you prefer a heartier option.
How can I make the glaze spicier?
If you like extra heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze or add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. For an even spicier kick, try adding finely chopped fresh chili peppers.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat.
Conclusion:
Make these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs for your next gathering or family dinner, and watch them disappear in no time. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is sure to impress every palate. Try it today!
📖 Recipe:
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Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy appetizer or main dish, featuring tender turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger. Perfect for any occasion, these meatballs are quick to make and packed with flavor, offering a lighter alternative to traditional meatballs.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, soy sauce, sesame oil, beaten egg, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch mixed with water and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze until fully coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the glaze.
You can use ground chicken instead of turkey for a different flavor.
For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
The meatballs can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Party Food, Healthy Recipe
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 230 kcal
