Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a splash of umami – these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are tender inside, irresistibly sticky outside, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re gathering friends for a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or need something that both kids and adults will rave about, this recipe is truly a weeknight winner. The turkey stays moist and flavorful thanks to fresh aromatics and a vibrant glaze that brings everything together. Pair them with your favorite sides or serve as crowd-pleasing party bites – you’ll be making Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such simple, easy-to-find ingredients can create so much flavor! Each item plays a special role in bringing out the smooth, bright, and satisfying character that makes Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs truly shine.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and light, this is the star that gives the meatballs their juicy bite and keeps things healthy.
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for that soft, tender texture; they soak up moisture and keep every bite delicate.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to help the meatballs keep their perfect shape while baking.
- Green Onions: Adds a fresh pop of color and gentle onion flavor that brightens the whole dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses each meatball with earthy richness and depth.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings a gentle heat and zing that’s absolutely essential for that Asian-inspired profile.
- Soy Sauce: Seasons the turkey and adds an instant hit of umami, both in the meatballs and the glaze.
- Sesame Oil: Just a small drizzle infuses wonderful nuttiness into each bite.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Balances the flavors and brings out the savoriness of the turkey.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (for the glaze): Keeps things flavorful but not too salty for the sticky glaze.
- Honey: Adds glossy sweetness and helps the glaze cling to every meatball.
- Rice Vinegar: Bright and tangy, for that lively zing in the sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: Deepens the glaze with a sweet-salty punch and thick texture.
- Extra Garlic & Ginger (for the glaze): Layers on even more flavor in the sauce so every bite is bold.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the glaze to sticky perfection for glossy, irresistible meatballs.
How to Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures your meatballs won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, it helps the Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs cook evenly without extra oil.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Combine your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix just until everything is blended. Don’t overwork it – that’s the secret to keeping your Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs tender and juicy!
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Scoop out 1-inch portions of the mixture (a tablespoon or small cookie scoop is perfect) and roll into balls, arranging them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through. You’ll start to smell those gorgeous aromas filling the kitchen!
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the meatballs bake, set a saucepan over medium heat and whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes, watching as the glaze thickens into a shiny, sticky sauce.
Step 5: Glaze and Toss
When the meatballs are hot out of the oven, gently transfer them to a bowl and pour that glorious glaze over the top. Use a spatula to toss and coat every last meatball—this is where the Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs truly come alive, glistening and ready to wow.
How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Garnishes
These meatballs are absolutely irresistible on their own, but you can elevate them with a final flourish. Try a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions for color and freshness, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, or even a scatter of chopped cilantro to amp up the herbal notes. That little extra finishing touch makes your Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs as beautiful as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
Serve your Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs over a bed of steaming jasmine rice, fluffy brown rice, or tender noodles for a hearty, meal-in-a-bowl vibe. For something lighter, lettuce wraps or thinly sliced cucumber make for a fresh, crisp contrast that pairs beautifully with the sticky glaze. Don’t forget a simple veggie stir-fry or pickled carrots on the side for an extra-tasty plate!
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by skewering meatballs onto small sticks for easy party appetizers, or tuck them into slider buns for a fun fusion twist. You can even turn your Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs into a vibrant grain bowl with rice, sautéed veggies, and a soft-boiled egg. However you showcase them, these meatballs are a conversation starter and guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3–4 days. The glaze keeps them moist, so they’re just as good for lunch the next day or for easy meal prep through the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these meatballs either before glazing or after. If freezing before glazing, let the baked meatballs cool, then store in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw and heat through, then toss with fresh glaze. If freezing with glaze, allow both to cool, freeze, and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the meatballs in short bursts, or warm them in a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep them from drying out. If they were frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat as usual. They’ll taste just as lip-smacking as when first made!
FAQs
Can I make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and bake the meatballs a day or two ahead, store in the fridge, then toss in fresh glaze right before serving. This trick makes them even more flavorful and perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Definitely. Ground chicken works beautifully and keeps things lean, while beef will add a richer flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since different meats can vary slightly in cook time.
How do I make these spicy?
Just add a dash or two of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. This will give your Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs a nice kick without overpowering their sweet-savory charm.
What’s the best way to keep the meatballs moist?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and be sure not to overbake. The combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and a bit of sesame oil in this recipe is designed to keep your meatballs juicy every time.
Are Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They hold up beautifully for a few days, making them perfect for lunch bowls, quick weeknight dinners, or even meal-prepped wrap fillings throughout the week. The glaze keeps them tender and flavorful, so you’ll never be bored with leftovers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, bursting with flavor, and just a little bit special, these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs need to be at the top of your list. They’re a hit with everyone who tries them and are as fun to make as they are to eat. Go on—treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch soon!
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Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender turkey meatballs are coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze that makes them perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. Easy to make and bursting with Asian-inspired ingredients, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into 1-inch balls and place evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until fully cooked and golden.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together all glaze ingredients except the cornstarch slurry. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1–2 more minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove meatballs from the oven and toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Make it spicy with a dash of sriracha.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days and are great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
