Description
These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic meatball, featuring lean ground turkey combined with ginger, garlic, and green onions. They’re coated in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based glaze with hints of sesame and spice, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Garnish: extra green onions and sesame seeds
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
To Thicken Sauce (Optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, egg, low-sodium soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they cook through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs cook, combine low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth (or water), honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and optional crushed red chili flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Glaze the Meatballs: Transfer the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each meatball completely in the glaze. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the glazed meatballs and garnish with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm as an appetizer or with steamed rice and vegetables for a full meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef for turkey for different flavor variations.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red chili flakes to control the spiciness to your liking.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking meatballs to ensure even browning.
- Serve these with steamed vegetables or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
