Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Short Description

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a flavorful sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or as an appetizer, this dish is a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and lean – Made with ground turkey for a lighter option
• Sweet and savory – The honey garlic sauce is rich and flavorful
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep
• Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats well
• Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

For the Meatballs:

• Ground turkey
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Green onion, finely chopped
• Soy sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for cooking)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Honey
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the meatballs – In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, green onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Form meatballs – Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake – Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
5. Make the sauce – In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water. Simmer until thickened.
6. Coat the meatballs – Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.
7. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Dairy-free option – This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Extra crispy – Pan-sear the meatballs before baking for a crispier texture.
• Vegetarian option – Use ground chickpeas or lentils instead of turkey.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this recipe.

How do I make the meatballs extra juicy?

Avoid overmixing the ingredients and use a little olive oil to keep them moist.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat before serving.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

Rice, noodles, steamed veggies, or a side salad pair well with this dish.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg as binders to hold them together.

Can I cook these in a skillet instead of baking?

Yes, cook them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the sauce when simmered.

Can I use fresh ginger in the sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh ginger adds a great depth of flavor.

Are these meatballs kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet honey garlic sauce makes them a hit with kids.

How do I keep the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet with oil.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try this simple and satisfying recipe today!

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