If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy turkey meatballs baked to a tender perfection are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a gentle hint of tang from rice vinegar and the warm notes of ginger and garlic. It’s a deliciously healthy twist on a classic comfort food that’s incredibly satisfying and sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the meatballs’ texture, flavor, and that irresistible glaze that brings everything together in this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and tender, it’s the perfect protein base for juicy meatballs.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and keeps the meatballs from falling apart.
- 1 egg: Adds moisture and acts as an additional binder for a perfect meatball shape.
- 2 green onions (finely chopped): Adds freshness, subtle crunch, and a mild oniony flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the meatballs with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Brings a zesty and slightly spicy note characteristic of Asian cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides a salty umami boost to the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds nutty richness that makes the flavor pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to add a subtle hint of spice.
- For the glaze:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory base of the glaze.
- 1/4 cup honey: Gives the glaze a lovely sweetness and sticky texture.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a bright tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Deepens the flavor complexity with its sweet-savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Enhances the glaze’s nutty aroma.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Elevates the glaze with a punch of garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry): Thickens the glaze for that perfect clingy coating.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish: Adds texture and a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. It’s important not to overmix here; you want the meatballs to be tender, not tough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs—this size ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Arrange them spaced apart on the baking sheet. Slide them into the oven, baking for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through and starting to turn golden brown on the outside.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
While the meatballs bake, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring it gently to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in your cornstarch slurry and keep cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. This luscious sauce is the star of the Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe.
Step 4: Toss Meatballs in the Glaze
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each meatball is coated with that irresistible sticky sauce. This final step brings all the flavors together wonderfully.
How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your meatballs with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some freshly sliced green onions. These garnishes not only bring extra texture and a pop of color but also elevate the dish visually and give each bite an added flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair perfectly with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite noodles, which soak up every bit of the sweet and savory glaze. Alternatively, steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs, keeping your meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your meatballs on skewers as party appetizers or pack them in lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on dinner. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the meatballs for a spicy kick that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe again without any extra effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked meatballs before glazing by placing them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight and toss in the glaze for a quick, no-fuss meal.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to keep them moist. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness. The glaze will come alive again and keep your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works great in this recipe and will give you similarly tender meatballs with a mild flavor that pairs well with the glaze.
How spicy is the glaze?
The standard glaze is mild and sweet, but you can easily add heat by mixing in sriracha or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Do I have to bake the meatballs? Can I fry them?
Baking is easier and results in evenly cooked, juicy meatballs, but if you prefer, you can pan-fry them over medium heat until browned and cooked through—it just adds a bit more hands-on time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You’ll need to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Simply reheat it gently before tossing with the meatballs for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become such a favorite for quick, flavorful meals. It brings together wholesome ingredients, simple techniques, and a rich, irresistible glaze that makes every bite a delight. So grab your apron, get cooking, and prepare to wow your family and friends with these crowd-pleasing meatballs!
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Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, featuring lean ground turkey and a delicious honey soy glaze. Baked to perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, they’re perfect served over jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dense.
- Form and bake meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Prepare the glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat.
- Coat meatballs with glaze: Once meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a bowl and toss gently with the warm glaze until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the glazed meatballs with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Serve over jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen before glazing, perfect for meal prep.
- For a spicy twist, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze to taste.
