Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe to Try

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring a touch of the East to your dinner table. As someone who loves experimenting with different cuisines, I can confidently say that these meatballs are not just a meal; they are an experience. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with the tender turkey, creates a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Originating from various Asian culinary traditions, these meatballs reflect the rich tapestry of flavors found in Asian cooking. The use of ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil not only enhances the taste but also pays homage to the cultural significance of these components in Asian cuisine. People adore Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs for their incredible taste and texture, as well as their convenience. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it has become a favorite in many households!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Extra green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Let’s start by preparing the meatball mixture. This is where all the flavors come together, and trust me, it’s going to be delicious!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. I love using fresh ginger because it adds a wonderful zing to the meatballs.
2. Next, crack the egg into the bowl. This will help bind everything together. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous and want a little heat.
3. Using your hands (make sure they’re clean!), mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. You want a nice, cohesive mixture that holds together well.

Forming the Meatballs

Now that we have our mixture ready, it’s time to form the meatballs!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the meat mixture into 1-inch balls. I usually aim for about 1.5 tablespoons of mixture per meatball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
4. Once all the meatballs are formed, you can give them a little pat to flatten the bottoms slightly. This helps them cook evenly.

Baking the Meatballs

Now it’s time to bake these beauties!

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
2. While the meatballs are baking, let’s prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Glazing the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done baking, it’s time to glaze them!

1. Remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the thickened glaze over the meatballs, and gently toss them until they are well coated. I love to use a spatula for this, as it helps to keep the meatballs intact while mixing.
3. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can drizzle some additional hoisin sauce over the top after glazing.

Serving the Meatballs

Now that our meatballs are glazed and ready, let’s serve them up!

1. Conclusion:

   In summary, these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and a hint of ginger creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, making them perfect for those who want to indulge without the guilt. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these meatballs with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors. You can also toss them into a stir-fry for a quick and satisfying meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the turkey for chicken or even a plant-based protein to cater to different dietary preferences. The glaze can also be adjusted to your liking—add a splash of sriracha for some heat or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, variations, or even a photo of your creation on social media. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dish together! Trust me, once you taste these meatballs, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and thirds! Print
   

   Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe to Try

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   • Author: Clara
   • Total Time: 55 minutes
   • Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Savory ground turkey meatballs are enhanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions, then glazed with a sweet and tangy hoisin sauce. Ideal for appetizers or as a main dish, these flavorful meatballs are sure to delight your guests!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground turkey
   • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
   • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
   • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
   • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
   • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
   • 1 tablespoon honey
   • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
   • 1 tablespoon water
   • Sesame seeds, for garnish
   • Extra green onions, for garnish

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
   2. Add the egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together using your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
   4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   5. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, take about 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
   6. Repeat until all the mixture is used, yielding about 20-24 meatballs.
   7. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
   8. While baking, prepare the glaze by combining hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
   9. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
   10. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
   11. Pour the glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
   12. For a caramelized finish, return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
   13. Serve the glazed meatballs warm, garnished with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

   Notes

   • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
   • These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.

   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes