If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and packed with Asian-inspired flavors, these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are the perfect choice. Made with lean ground turkey and a blend of garlic, ginger, and green onions, these meatballs are coated in a sweet and savory glaze that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, an appetizer, or over rice for a complete meal, these meatballs will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (or substitute with ground chicken, pork, or beef)
- ⅓ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (or ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (with extra for topping)
- Garnish: additional green onions and sesame seeds
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup beef broth (or water)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ – ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional, depending on your heat preference)
To Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tbsp water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sliced green onions.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place in the oven set to the desired temperature and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and have a light golden color.
2. Make the Asian Glaze:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the soy sauce, beef broth (or water), honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and crushed red chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Coat the Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze.
- Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are fully coated.
5. Serve:
- Serve the glazed meatballs hot, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy as an appetizer, or serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The lean ground turkey paired with the rich, garlicky glaze creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or as party appetizers, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey or substitute with ground chicken, pork, or beef
- ⅓ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 green onions chopped (with extra for topping)
Garnish: additional green onions and sesame seeds
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ – ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes optional, depending on your heat preference
To Thicken the Sauce Optional:
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tbsp water
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sliced green onions.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place in the oven set to the desired temperature and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and have a light golden color.
Make the Asian Glaze:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the soy sauce, beef broth (or water), honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and crushed red chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Coat the Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze.
- Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are fully coated.
Serve:
- Serve the glazed meatballs hot, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy as an appetizer, or serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.