These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthier twist on traditional meatballs. Packed with lean turkey, fresh ginger, garlic, and a delicious homemade Asian glaze, these meatballs are savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly juicy. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, over rice, or in a wrap, they’re a tasty and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a fantastic alternative to regular meatballs. The ground turkey provides a lean source of protein, while the sweet and savory glaze brings the perfect balance of flavors. The ginger, garlic, and soy sauce create a delicious depth of flavor, and the glaze makes the meatballs incredibly moist and sticky—just the way they should be! They’re simple to prepare and can be served as a main course, appetizer, or even added to a salad for a healthier option. Plus, they’re a hit for parties and gatherings!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the mixture.

2. Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. This should make about 16-20 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). You may need to cook the meatballs in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

4. Make the Glaze: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. If you’d like a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce and simmer until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the glaze over them in the skillet. Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze to coat evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and stick to the meatballs.

6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or a plant-based ground meat alternative if you prefer a vegetarian or lower-fat version.

• Spicy Meatballs: For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes to the glaze or incorporate a small amount of sriracha sauce into the meatball mixture.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.

• Add Veggies: Consider adding finely chopped vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, adding a little extra glaze if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey for these meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground beef, though ground turkey is often used for a leaner option. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you use beef, as it may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

2. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking them. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and cook from frozen.

5. Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can make the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

6. How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

If you’d like a stronger flavor, try adding some soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce to the meatball mixture for added depth of taste.

7. How do I make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, you can mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce. This will give it a thicker, sticky texture.

8. Can I use store-bought glaze instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought teriyaki or Asian-style glaze if you prefer, but homemade glaze tends to be fresher and more customizable.

9. Can I serve these meatballs with rice?

Absolutely! Serve these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

10. Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Place the uncooked meatballs in a slow cooker, pour the glaze over them, and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and the glaze has thickened.

Conclusion

These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a main dish, or over rice, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these meatballs are a healthy twist on a classic that you’ll love serving time and time again. Enjoy the tender, juicy meatballs and the sticky, delicious glaze that takes them to the next level!

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