Recipes

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

By Martha

Everyday Kitchen Bliss!

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, savory meal that fills the kitchen with rich, mouthwatering aromas. Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs embody that feeling perfectly, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around tender, juicy meatballs.

This recipe has a special place in my heart, reminding me of weekend family dinners where the conversation was just as fulfilling as the meal. The scent of honey and garlic bubbling in the pan transports me to those moments, where laughter and stories made every bite even more special. What I love about these meatballs is their ability to adapt – they’re just as fitting for a casual weeknight meal as they are for impressing guests at a dinner party.

Originally, the idea for this dish came from wanting to create something that’s not only wholesome but also universally loved. Turkey is the star here, a lighter protein option that doesn’t skimp on taste. When paired with the rich honey garlic sauce, it creates a perfect balance of flavors, ensuring every bite feels like a small indulgence. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or whip up a quick dish during the summer months, these meatballs are a go-to choice that never disappoints.

Let’s dive into this recipe and bring some of that warmth and flavor into your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy and Light: Turkey is a leaner alternative to beef or pork, making these meatballs a guilt-free option packed with protein.
  2. Full of Flavor: The honey garlic glaze strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with just enough garlic to keep things interesting.
  3. Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, these meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
  4. Versatile: Serve them over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer. They even work well in meal prep for the week ahead.
  5. Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the honey in the sauce makes this a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
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How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1-1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place the meatballs on a plate or tray as you go. You should end up with about 20-25 meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Sear the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  2. Brown Them: Let the meatballs cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs to get an even golden crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  3. Remove and Set Aside: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic for the sauce. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  2. Mix the Sauce: Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously until it thickens.

Step 4: Finish the Meatballs

  1. Add the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
  2. Simmer to Perfection: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). The sauce will reduce slightly and coat the meatballs beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
  2. Serve: Enjoy the meatballs hot, served over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense meatballs.
  • Use a Scoop: A small cookie scoop works wonders for creating evenly-sized meatballs, ensuring they cook at the same rate.
  • Prep Ahead: You can form the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking.

Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: High Protein
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Notes

  1. Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or adding more soy sauce if needed.
  2. Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
  3. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  4. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and appeal.
  5. Make ahead: Form and refrigerate or freeze uncooked meatballs for convenience.
  6. Serve with rice, noodles, or zucchini noodles for a versatile meal.
  7. Double the sauce if you love extra glaze for sides.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs without sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding sauce.
Save it before it’s gone—help us inspire others to cook!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! While turkey is the focus here, ground chicken or lean ground beef work just as well.

2. Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative that adds a similar tang to the sauce.

3. How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F/74°C.

If you enjoyed these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs, here are some other flavorful dishes to try:

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance, offering a dish that feels special yet remains incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish to impress, these meatballs deliver every time. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this flavorful, wholesome delight!

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Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs


  • Author: Martha

Description

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, savory meal that fills the kitchen with rich, mouthwatering aromas. Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs embody that feeling perfectly, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around tender, juicy meatballs.

This recipe has a special place in my heart, reminding me of weekend family dinners where the conversation was just as fulfilling as the meal. The scent of honey and garlic bubbling in the pan transports me to those moments, where laughter and stories made every bite even more special. What I love about these meatballs is their ability to adapt – they’re just as fitting for a casual weeknight meal as they are for impressing guests at a dinner party.

Originally, the idea for this dish came from wanting to create something that’s not only wholesome but also universally loved. Turkey is the star here, a lighter protein option that doesn’t skimp on taste. When paired with the rich honey garlic sauce, it creates a perfect balance of flavors, ensuring every bite feels like a small indulgence. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or whip up a quick dish during the summer months, these meatballs are a go-to choice that never disappoints.

Let’s dive into this recipe and bring some of that warmth and flavor into your home!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1-1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place the meatballs on a plate or tray as you go. You should end up with about 20-25 meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Sear the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  2. Brown Them: Let the meatballs cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs to get an even golden crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  3. Remove and Set Aside: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic for the sauce. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  2. Mix the Sauce: Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously until it thickens.

Step 4: Finish the Meatballs

  1. Add the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
  2. Simmer to Perfection: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). The sauce will reduce slightly and coat the meatballs beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
  2. Serve: Enjoy the meatballs hot, served over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or adding more soy sauce if needed.
  • Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and appeal.
  • Make ahead: Form and refrigerate or freeze uncooked meatballs for convenience.
  • Serve with rice, noodles, or zucchini noodles for a versatile meal.
  • Double the sauce if you love extra glaze for sides.

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