Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that feels equally weeknight-friendly and party-worthy, Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs check every box. Juicy turkey meatballs are oven-baked until golden and then tossed in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings to every bite. The aroma alone is enough to make you swoon, and a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds takes these little flavor bombs over the top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but don’t let that fool you—the layers of flavor and texture are what make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs irresistible. Each component plays a role in creating meatballs that are tender, zippy, and loaded with umami goodness!
- Ground turkey: Lean turkey is perfect here; it’s a lighter choice that stays juicy with the right seasonings.
- Breadcrumbs: They soak up moisture and keep the meatballs tender and airy.
- Egg: Holds everything together, so your meatballs don’t fall apart mid-toss.
- Minced garlic: Nothing beats freshly minced garlic for warmth and depth, both inside and outside the meatballs.
- Green onions: Finely chopped for a pop of color and a gentle bite.
- Soy sauce: Used in both the meatballs and sauce, it infuses each bite with rich, salty savoriness.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, classic seasonings that highlight the meat’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil: A quick brush on the pan helps brown the meatballs beautifully and prevents sticking.
- Honey: The key to the sweet, sticky glaze—use a mild honey so other flavors can shine.
- Rice vinegar: Just a splash balances out the sweetness and gives the sauce brightness.
- Cornstarch slurry (optional): Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency if you like it a bit clingier.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional): For garnish, they add crunch and an extra hit of freshness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture
Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, two cloves of minced garlic, green onions, one tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, and pepper. With clean hands or a spatula, mix just until everything is incorporated—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough, so aim for gentle but efficient!
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and a nonstick finish. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll into 1-inch balls. You should get about 18 to 20 meatballs. Arrange them with a bit of space in between, then drizzle or brush with olive oil to support browning. Slide the tray into your 400°F preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the honey, remaining soy sauce, three cloves of minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring as the flavors mingle and the sauce starts to bubble gently. If you want your sauce thicker, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons water, then whisk it in and simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes. The sauce will turn shiny and cling to a spoon—yum!
Step 4: Toss and Coat
As soon as the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl (or directly into the saucepan if it’s roomy enough) and pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss to coat every meatball evenly. The sauce should wrap each one in a fragrant, sticky glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Plate your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs and finish with a flourish. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top, and watch these beauties disappear in a flash!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Garnishes
Nothing elevates a platter of Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs like a handful of fresh garnishes. Scattered green onions add color and crunch, while a shower of sesame seeds gives irresistible nuttiness. For special occasions, you can even add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil for extra pizzazz.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine on their own but become a complete feast with just a little company. Serve them over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For something a little different, try with noodles—think soba, ramen, or even rice noodles. Roasted broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy make gorgeous, vibrant sides that complement the sweet and garlicky glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs into party-perfect appetizers by skewering them with toothpicks or serving in mini lettuce cups. Stuff leftovers into pita pockets with crunchy veggies for a next-level lunch, or pile onto bowls with rice and a fried egg for a quick weeknight “rice bowl” dinner. However you serve them, they’ll always be a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, keep them in a tightly sealed container with any extra sauce, so they stay tender and full of flavor. The longer they chill, the more the flavors develop, making leftovers particularly tasty!
Freezing
If you love prepping ahead, baked meatballs freeze like a dream even before you coat them in sauce. Let them cool completely, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just make the sauce fresh and toss in the reheated meatballs for that newly-made taste.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange meatballs and sauce in a skillet and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For a speedier method, use the microwave in 30-second blasts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep everything moist and glossy.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken for turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and gives you very similar results—moist and flavorful meatballs with just a slightly different texture. Make sure the meat is not too lean to avoid dryness.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or even crushed rice crackers) and make sure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free or use tamari as a swap. The rest of the recipe stays the same and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs.
How do I double this recipe for a crowd?
It couldn’t be easier—just double every ingredient. You might want to use two baking sheets for the meatballs so they have plenty of space to brown, and be sure to toss them in batches with the sauce so each gets fully coated.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Whip up the honey garlic sauce a day or two ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Just warm it gently before tossing with the meatballs for the best consistency and full flavor.
What protein or veggie sides pair best with this dish?
For protein, steamed or fried tofu rounds out the meal nicely, and for veggies, roasted broccoli, shredded carrots, and sautéed snow peas are all fantastic. These sides soak up the sauce and provide a variety of textures to your plate.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs bring to the table. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a gathering, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flavorful honey garlic turkey meatballs that are baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and savory sauce. These Asian-inspired meatballs are a perfect combination of tender turkey, aromatic garlic, and the richness of honey, making them a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar over medium heat. Simmer for 4–5 minutes. For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- These meatballs are delicious served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- To prepare ahead, freeze the baked meatballs and reheat with fresh sauce when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
