Juicy, flavorful, and coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, these turkey meatballs are the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether served as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying meal, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option – Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs while still delivering incredible flavor.
- Deliciously Sweet and Savory – The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly coats each meatball.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and great for meal prep.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy these meatballs as an appetizer, toss them with noodles, or serve over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add it to the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the Meatballs: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Baked Version: Bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Different Proteins: Swap turkey for chicken or beef for a flavor variation.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep turkey meatballs from falling apart?
Using the right ratio of breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the meatballs together. Avoid overmixing, as it can make them too dense.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and delivers similar results.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar, or add a splash of extra soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
They pair well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and store uncooked meatballs in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later use.
How do I make the meatballs juicier?
Adding a small amount of milk or grated zucchini to the mixture helps keep them moist.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free, just ensure your breadcrumbs are dairy-free as well.
Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Cook it over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking or caramelizing too quickly.
Conclusion
These honey garlic turkey meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a meal over rice, or as part of a noodle bowl, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness!
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The Best Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy turkey meatballs coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying meal. Easy, flavorful, and meal-prep friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined plate.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from pan.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, cook minced garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the Meatballs: Return meatballs to skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
- Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Turkey meatballs, honey garlic sauce, easy meatball recipe, sweet and savory meatballs, healthy turkey recipe
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