Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

$For Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs, you will need these key ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish You can add some optional ingredients to make your meatballs unique: - Chopped bell peppers for extra crunch - Red pepper flakes for heat - Pineapple chunks for sweetness - Chopped nuts for texture Feel free to mix and match these extras based on your taste! These meatballs are a healthy choice. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition: - Each serving (about 4 meatballs) has around 250 calories. - They provide about 25g of protein, which helps with muscle growth. - Low sodium soy sauce keeps the salt content down. - Honey adds natural sweetness, replacing refined sugar. These meatballs fit well in a balanced diet. Enjoy the flavors and the health benefits! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the meatballs bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the following: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated Mix these ingredients gently. You want them combined but don’t overwork the meat. This keeps the meatballs tender. Now, take a small amount of the mixture. Shape it into a meatball about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Space them out to allow for even baking. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. To check, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. While the meatballs bake, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, mix: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Add fresh grated ginger for extra flavor if you like. Heat the mixture until it simmers gently. Once the meatballs are done, move them to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. Gently toss them to coat evenly. Serve them hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Enjoy! To make juicy meatballs, start with ground turkey that has some fat. Use meat that is 85% lean or less. This fat adds moisture and flavor. Mix your ingredients gently. Overworking the meat can make it tough. Use a light touch when forming the meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. If you want to switch things up, there are great options. For the breadcrumbs, try using crushed crackers or panko. They add a nice crunch to your meatballs. You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or beef. They work well in this recipe. If you’re short on green onions, finely chopped onion or chives can work too. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead. To keep meatballs from drying out, avoid overcooking them. Check for doneness at 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer; they should reach 165°F (74°C). Basting them in teriyaki sauce after baking helps keep them moist. You can also cover them with foil while baking to trap steam. Finally, don’t skip the sauce! It adds flavor and moisture, making each bite delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor in your meatballs and sauce. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to tough meatballs. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding more or less honey according to your taste. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground turkey for other proteins. Ground chicken is a great option. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also try lean beef or pork for a richer flavor. For a healthier choice, use ground bison. It’s low in fat and high in protein. If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, use plant-based ground meat. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods work well. You can also make meatballs using lentils. Cooked lentils mixed with breadcrumbs can create a great base. Add some spices to boost the flavor. While teriyaki sauce is classic, you can get creative. Try a sweet and spicy sauce for a kick. Mix soy sauce with sriracha for some heat. A hoisin sauce can add a sweet touch as well. If you want a tangy flavor, use a barbecue sauce. Each sauce will change the dish’s taste, so have fun experimenting! Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge right away. They stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure they cool down before you store them. To freeze meatballs, first let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them freeze without sticking together. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They will last up to three months in the freezer. Reheat frozen meatballs in the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts. Add a splash of water for moisture. Yes, you can make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them. Just freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Once frozen, place them in a bag. They will last for three months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You have many options to serve with Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs. Here are a few great ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - Salad with a light dressing These sides pair well with the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy eating. To check if the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The inside should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear. This ensures they are safe to eat and full of flavor. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious teriyaki turkey meatballs. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and valuable tips for juicy results. I shared storage ideas and various options for customization to fit your taste. You can create a satisfying meal using easy methods. With a little practice, your meatballs will impress everyone. Enjoy cooking and making these tasty treats!$

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
0.25 cup honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
to taste sesame seeds for garnish
to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, beaten egg, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, in a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and some fresh grated ginger if desired. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Remove from heat.
Coat the Meatballs: After the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Toss gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
Serve: Plate the meatballs and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword dinner, easy, meatballs, teriyaki, turkey